Ranchi: A special court operating under the Prevention of Money‑Laundering Act has formally framed charges against Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, alleging that he procured an 8.86‑acre parcel in the Bargayin area of Ranchi through illicit means. Soren participated via video link and unequivocally denied any misconduct.

Court Ruling and Prospects for Trial

The order removes the last procedural hurdle, allowing the case to move into the evidentiary phase. The Enforcement Directorate, which is conducting the investigation, has identified seventeen accused persons; charges against sixteen of them have already been lodged.

BJP Calls for Soren’s Resignation

Following the court’s decision, the Bharatiya Janata Party urged the chief minister to step down, contending that his continued tenure could compromise witness testimony and the gathering of critical evidence.

The party frames its demand on the principle that a sitting chief minister facing criminal prosecution should relinquish office to safeguard the integrity of the inquiry.

JMM Responds with Counter‑Claims

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha rebuked the BJP’s demand, shifting focus to the Election Commission. JMM central vice‑president and Rajya Sabha MP Baidyanath Ram argued that if the BJP expects resignations on procedural grounds, it should also scrutinise the actions of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Ram further accused the BJP of irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls and highlighted the party’s record on law‑and‑order issues in Uttar Pradesh.

Health Minister Defends the Chief Minister

Health Minister Irfan Ansari rallied behind Soren, reiterating the call for an inquiry into the Chief Election Commissioner and labeling the BJP’s move as a politically motivated witch‑hunt lacking substantive evidence.

What Lies Ahead in the Trial

With the charge‑sheet now framed, the case proceeds to the stage where both prosecution and defence will present witnesses and documentary material. The trial is expected to resume from November onward.

The crux of the dispute remains the alleged irregular acquisition of the 8.86‑acre Bargayin plot. While Soren maintains his innocence, the court will now examine the material evidence to determine liability.