Punjab, Jan. 31 -- Hemant Soren was first detained by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday, shortly after he resigned as chief minister of Jharkhand, in accordance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), as part of the ED's investigation into a purported land scam in the state, according to those with knowledge of the development.

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief was the target of a complex federal agency set-up two days ago, with teams stationed outside his apartment and airport here. However, on Tuesday, he was able to evade capture and travel by road from the nation's capital to Ranchi.

Over the years, a network of brokers and businessmen forged documents in the registrar offices to create fictitious deeds ...