Hemant Soren Faces Major Setback as PMLA Court Rejects Discharge Plea in Badgai Land Case
Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren suffered a significant legal setback on Monday after a Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) rejected his discharge petition in the alleged money laundering case linked to an 8.86-acre land parcel in Ranchi’s Badgai area.
The court’s decision clears the way for the next stage of proceedings, with the process of framing charges against the accused expected to begin shortly.
Court Rejects Plea for Discharge
Soren had moved the special PMLA court in December 2025 seeking to be discharged from the case, arguing that he was innocent and that no evidence existed to justify continuing proceedings against him. After hearing detailed arguments from both the defence and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the court had reserved its order.
On Monday, the court pronounced its verdict, dismissing the Chief Minister’s plea and allowing the case to proceed.
झारखंड के मुख्यमंत्री हेमंत सोरेन को जमीन घोटाले और मनी लॉन्ड्रिंग मामले में बड़ा झटका लगा है।
रांची स्थित पीएमएलए की विशेष अदालत ने उनकी डिस्चार्ज याचिका खारिज कर दी है। इससे पहले अदालत ने ईडी और हेमंत सोरेन दोनों पक्षों की दलीलें सुनने के बाद फैसला सुरक्षित रख लिया था।
ख़बर… pic.twitter.com/gWQtJcogdG
— PB-SHABD (@PBSHABD) June 8, 2026
Background of the Case
The case revolves around an 8.86-acre land parcel in Ranchi’s Badgai locality, which is under investigation for alleged irregularities related to ownership records, land transfers and suspected money laundering. The Enforcement Directorate has claimed that the land was acquired and transferred through fraudulent means, leading to a broader probe into alleged illegal transactions.
During the investigation, several individuals came under the agency’s scanner, and Soren was also named in the case.
Trial Process Moves Forward
Legal experts say that the rejection of a discharge petition does not amount to a finding of guilt but indicates that the court has found sufficient prima facie material to continue with the proceedings.
With the discharge plea now dismissed, the court is expected to begin the process of framing charges. Once charges are framed, the matter will formally enter the trial stage, where both the prosecution and the defence will present evidence, examine witnesses and argue their respective positions before the court.
The latest development marks an important turn in one of Jharkhand’s most closely watched legal cases, with political and legal ramifications likely to unfold as the proceedings advance.
