Lokpal asks CBI to probe within 6 months 'benami' properties of JMM chief Shibu Soren

Hearing the matter, a bench of Lokpal directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to “carry out the investigation as expeditiously as possible and complete the investigation within a period of six months from the date of this order”.

Anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal on March 4 directed the CBI to probe within six months alleged benami properties linked to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren, according to its order.

The direction came while disposing of a complaint filed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who represents Jharkhand's Godda constituency in Lok Sabha, on August 5, 2020.

Also read | Delhi HC refuses to interfere with Lokpal proceedings against Shibu Soren

Hearing the matter, a bench of Lokpal directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to "carry out the investigation as expeditiously as possible and complete the investigation within a period of six months from the date of this order".

The Lokpal also asked the CBI to apprise it of the progress the investigation makes by way of sending monthly reports.

"The first such report is due on or before 30th April, 2024," said the order issued on Monday by the division bench of the Lokpal comprising Justice Abhilasha Kumari and non-judicial members Archana Ramasundaram and Mahender Singh.

In his complaint, Mr. Dubey had said that Mr. Soren and his family members indulged in rampant corruption and amassed huge wealth, assets and properties, disproportionate to their known and declared sources of income, by adopting unscrupulous and corrupt means, in his own name and the names of his family members, friends, associates and various companies in various districts of Jharkhand, including Ranchi, Dhanbad and Dumka, among others.