New Delhi, May 21 -- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday opposed former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren's request for interim bail to campaign in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, accusing him of attempting to thwart an ongoing money laundering investigation in an alleged land scam by "misusing state machinery" and "through his stooges".

Submitting the affidavit in the court a day ahead of the hearing, the agency stressed that the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader is involved in the illicit acquisition and possession of properties deemed proceeds of crime and that his conduct disentitles him to any reprieve.

SC grants ED two days to respond to Hemant Soren's interim bail plea

"There is an active attempt by the petitioner ...