The Enforcement Directorate has started conducting raids at the premises of some close associates of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in Ranchi in an ongoing money laundering case. 

The federal agency carried out raids on Soren's press advisor Abhishek Prasad alias Pintu in connection with an illegal mining case. 

Searches are being carried out at 12 locations including Abhishek Prasad's residence and the residence of Sahebganj Deputy Commissioner. 

Soren was issued a 'last opportunity' by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to record his statement in an alleged land scam days ago, and has replied to the agency, labeling his summons as 'illegal.’ 

In his letter to ED, Soren also said that he has already given the details of his properties. He has so far skipped six summons. "Soren has written to the ED in response to the summons issued to him, stating that the summons are 'illegal.

'He has also accused ED of making the media trial of the whole matter. In his reply, he also said that he had already given the details of the properties. He has also accused ED of trying to destabilize the government.