ED interrogates ex Jharkhand CM's press advisor

• Abhishek Prasad, former press advisor to Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, summoned by ED for interrogation in illegal mining case
• Prasad was asked to appear on January 16 earlier citing wife's ill health 
• Hatia DSP Pramod Kumar Mishra and Preeti Kumar, wife of IAS officer Avinash Kumar, also slated for ED interrogation on March 19 and 20 respectively

ED is interrogating Abhishek Prasad, also known as Pintu, who served as the press advisor to former Chief Minister Hemant Soren, in connection with a case related to illegal mining. Prasad has been summoned to appear at the regional office in Ranchi following recent raids conducted by the ED at his hideout. During the raid, digital devices and crucial documents were seized, indicating the gravity of the investigation.

On January 3, 2024, the ED had conducted raids at the premises of Prasad and several others as part of their probe into land scams and illegal mining. In continuation of their investigation, the ED had scheduled questioning sessions for various individuals involved in the case. While Sahibganj DC was summoned on January 11 and Vinod Singh on January 15, Prasad was asked to appear on January 16. However, Prasad has cited his wife's illness in a letter to the ED, requesting a postponement of his interrogation until after January 22.

In addition to Prasad, the ED is also set to interrogate Hatia DSP Pramod Kumar Mishra and Preeti Kumar, wife of IAS officer Avinash Kumar, in connection with the same case. Mishra is scheduled for questioning on March 19, followed by Preeti Kumar on March 20.