VIJAY DEO JHA
Ranchi, Nov 17: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday grilled Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren over illegal mining for around 10 hours. However, to all the major questions, Hemant Soren skipped answering and said that he needs time to collect the facts.
On the matter related to his properties, bank statements and investments, the CM said that he needs time to reply. Probably, he would answer when the ED would summon him next time for questioning. So far, no fresh schedule for his questioning has been fixed.
Sources said that the ED mostly asked him questions related to the mining department including whether he was aware of large-scale illegal mining in Sahibganj district.
I did not give patronage to Pankaj Mishra for illegal mining: CM
The CM denied that he gave undue patronage to Pankaj Mishra to carry illegal mining. He said that he was not aware of the matter that Pankaj Mishra was involved in any such activity. When asked why his passbook was cheque books were found at the residence of Pankaj Mishra he said during the election time he had kept that document. The ED asked whether due to his influence Pankaj Mishra used to make phone calls from the judicial custody. He denied having given any patronage.
He denied that he gave patronage to Dahu Yadav in running an illegal ferry service for illegal transportation of stone chips. He said that he never stopped Sahibganj DC and SP to take actions against persons involved in the illegal mining.
I don’t know Prem Prakash: CM
Hemant Soren denied that he knew Prem Prakash. He said that he never met Prem Prakash. When asked that two of his security guards were found doing the duty of Prem Prakash, he said that the DGP of Jharkhand should be asked in this regard.
The ED asked how he got a mining lease in his name in Ranchi when he was CM of the state, Hemant Soren said that since the matter is sub-judice he would not answer.
I appointed Pooja Singhal secretary mining to run department, not to raise money
The ED also asked him about the conduct of the then mining Secretary Pooja Singhal who is in jail in MNREGA scam case. Hemant Soren said that he posted Pooja Singhal as secretary to run the department and not for raising money.
