Jharkhand CM orders probe against Hemant Soren's family

The Jharkhand government has ordered a probe against the JMM chief Hemant Soren's family for allegedly flouting the norms and provision while purchasing land in Ranchi, Bokaro and Jamshedpur. The probe orders come weeks before expected assembly elections in the state.

The state government has sent orders to district collectors of Ranchi, Bokaro and Jamshedpur to investigate the matter.

It is being seen as a major political development in the state and a move to nail the Soren family ahead of assembly polls.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is a major opposition party in Jharkhand that can challenge the saffron brigade and hinder its aim of winning its target of 65-plus seats in the upcoming polls.

The government orders were initiated after Rajya Sabha MP Sameer Oran of the BJP met with Chief Secretary DK Tiwary and lodged a complaint against the Soren family for flouting rules while purchasing land.

JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya says that the probe orders are vindictive. "It is the modus operandi of the BJP to intimidate its opponents. They have done the same across the country. However, we are not afraid and it will not affect our electoral prospects," he said.

The development comes a day after, the BJP triggered a split in JMM by roping in two of its MLAs.