Broker Detained in Hemant Soren's Land Scandal

The Enforcement Directorate has detained a broker linked to an alleged land grab case involving former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren. The accused, Shekhar Prasad Mahto, faces charges of conspiracy and forgery. The ED aims to trace other beneficiaries and illegal proceeds from the scheme.

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested a broker in connection with a high-profile land grab-linked money laundering case. This case implicates the former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren and other key figures.

The broker, identified as 39-year-old Shekhar Prasad Mahto, was detained on Wednesday under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following extensive interrogation at the agency's zonal office. According to official sources, Mahto allegedly collaborated with Bhanu Pratap Prasad, a former revenue department sub-inspector, to fabricate a deed and tamper with government records for acquiring a 4.83-acre land valued at Rs 22.61 crore in Ranchi.

The ED alleges Mahto's involvement in processes connected with illegal proceeds, including land and money acquired through forgery and falsification of records. The agency cites a large-scale conspiracy involving significant illegal proceeds. Following his arrest, Mahto was presented before a special PMLA court, where the ED sought his custody to trace the illicit proceeds and identify other beneficiaries. The agency has arrested over 25 people, including Hemant Soren, as part of their investigation, with land parcels worth Rs 266 crore attached so far.