A special PMLA court in Ranchi on September 30 framed money-laundering charges against Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in the 8.86-acre Bargain land scam case.

The court rejected a plea seeking a stay on the proceedings, clearing the way for the trial to begin. Soren pleaded not guilty to the charges. Sixteen to seventeen other accused in the case have already been charged.

The case relates to alleged illegal possession and transfer of government land in Ranchi. The Enforcement Directorate had arrested Soren earlier in connection with the investigation, and he has maintained that the case is politically motivated.

The next hearing is scheduled for November 30. The court will now begin recording evidence, starting with the statements of witnesses listed by the prosecution in its chargesheet.

Soren has denied all charges and called the case a political conspiracy. His party has said the legal battle will not affect the functioning of the state government. The Enforcement Directorate has attached several properties linked to the case during its investigation.