Ranchi: A special court under the Prevention of Money‑Laundering Act has formally framed charges against Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, alleging that he illegally obtained an 8.86‑acre parcel in Ranchi’s Bargayin area. Soren appeared through a video link and emphatically denied any misconduct.

Court Ruling and Prospective Trial

The order removes the last procedural obstacle, clearing the way for the trial stage. The Enforcement Directorate, which is conducting the investigation, has listed seventeen persons as accused; charges against the remaining sixteen have already been framed.

BJP Insists on Soren’s Resignation

Following the court’s decision, the Bharatiya Janata Party demanded that Soren step down, warning that his continued tenure could jeopardise witness testimony and the collection of evidence.

The party’s argument rests on a political‑ethical premise: a sitting chief minister facing criminal proceedings should relinquish office to safeguard the investigation’s credibility.

JMM Pushes Back

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha countered the BJP’s demand by drawing attention 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 question Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Ram further alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls and challenged the BJP’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 scrutiny of the Chief Election Commissioner and accusing the BJP of launching a politically driven witch‑hunt rather than presenting concrete evidence.

Upcoming Trial Milestones

With charges now framed, the matter proceeds to the evidentiary phase. Both prosecution and defence will summon witnesses and submit documentary proof, with the trial expected to reconvene 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 evaluate the material evidence to determine liability.