The Lokpal has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to start a probe into corruption involving Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) president and Rajya Sabha member Shibu Soren and to complete the preliminary investigation within six months.

The Lokpal issued the direction to the CBI while disposing of a complaint filed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who represents Godda constituency in Lok Sabha, on August 5, 2020, sources said.

Sources said that a bench of Lokpal directed the CBI to “carry out the investigation as expeditiously as possible and complete the probe within a period of six months from the date of the order”.

It is learnt that the Lokpal had also asked the CBI to apprise it of the progress in the investigation by way of sending monthly reports to it.

“The first such report is due on or before 30th April, 2024,” a senior official said quoting the order issued on Monday by the division bench of the Lokpal comprising Justice Abhilasha Kumari (judicial member) and Lokpal members Archana Ramasundaram and Mahender Singh.

The CBI is at liberty to take necessary action at their level in respect of the findings emerging during their Preliminary Inquiry. The Lokpal of India is apprised of the progress of the investigation by way of sending monthly reports. The first such report is due on or before 30th April, 2024,” said the operative part of the order.

Sources said that the complainant had urged the Lokpal to probe 5 properties in Capital Ranchi, Dhanbad, Dumka and other places across the Country which allegedly belong to former Chief Minister Shibu Soren.

“It is alleged that besides these properties, several other properties have also been acquired by the RPS (respondent public servant) and his family members, the details of which can be found upon investigation,” the Lokpal said in its order.

Soren, a Rajya Sabha member from Jharkhand, has been referred to as the RPS in the Lokpal’s order.

Dubey has alleged that Soren had amassed the wealth 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.

The Lok Pal direction against Senior Soren has come at the time when the Soren family is already facing trouble. In January this year, JMM President Hemant Soren was arrested by the officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the land scam case. The arrest came after 7 hours of questioning at his residence in Ranchi, after which Hemant Soren decided to go to Raj Bhawan and resigned from his position as chief minister of Jharkhand.