Ranchi/IBNS: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Wednesday evening formally arrested Chief Minister Hemant Soren Wednesday evening, minutes after quitting the top post.
Soren has resigned as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand amid questioning by the ED in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land deal in Jharkhand.
Transport minister Champai Soren, one of the veteran leaders of the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, will step into his shoes.
Hemant Soren was taken into custody in connection with an alleged land scam, minutes after meeting the governor and handing in his resignation.
According to reports, he had discussed the matter with the officials, declaring that he would sign the arrest memo only after stepping down. The ED Officials then took him to meet the Governor.
A Chief Minister can be arrested under the anti-money laundering rules if he evades summons thrice.
The ED officials earlier in the evening reached the CMs residence in ten vehicles, accompanied by CISF personnel.
After reaching the Chief Ministers residence, the ED officials recorded Sorens statement.
Earlier on Jan 20, the CM was grilled by the ED for seven hours at his residence.
After this, the ED wrote to Soren again on Jan 22, asking him to record the statement between Jan 27-31.
Following this, the chief minister, on Jan 25, indirectly refused to give time to the ED for questioning.
Then, on Jan 29, the Chief Minister wrote to the ED accusing it of being politically motivated and preventing the elected government from working.
Soren later sent an email to the ED agreeing to record his statement at his residence on Jan 31. He summoned the central agency to his residence at 1 p.m. on Wednesday to record his statement.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made in Ranchi, including the Chief Ministers residence.
Soren has claimed that he is being targeted as a part of a huge conspiracy.
