ACB Conducts Surprise Checks Across Jammu Division Over Illegal Mining

Jammu, Feb 25, KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau on Wednesday conducted joint surprise checks across several districts of the Jammu division following complaints of large-scale illegal mining allegedly carried out in connivance with certain officials.

Officials said the Bureau had received inputs alleging that some mining block holders were operating beyond permitted limits in coordination with officers of the Mining and Ecological departments. Acting on the complaints, ACB constituted multiple teams to carry out inspections at different locations.

During the exercise, checks were conducted at stone crusher units in Bajalta in Jammu, Gandyal in Kathua, Kaller and Doongi in Rajouri. Inspections were also carried out at the District Mineral Office Rajouri and mining blocks at Saranu in Rajouri, Anji in Reasi and Arnas in Reasi district.

According to officials, several stone crushers and block holders were found allegedly operating in violation of prescribed terms and conditions. The Bureau said electronic devices, documents and records were seized from the inspected sites and are under scrutiny to examine possible irregularities.

In a related development, ACB teams also conducted searches in connection with FIR No. 02/2026 registered at Police Station ACB Central against Inspector Vijay Choudhary. Searches were carried out at his residential house at Santokh Vihar, Kaluchak in Jammu, another residence at Nonial in Nowshera, Rajouri, a flat at GTB Nagar Channi Rama in Jammu, a farmhouse at Marjali Gharota, a stone crusher at Tutte di Khui Bajalta and tile factories.

Additionally, searches were conducted at the residential and official premises of Naresh Sharma alias Raju at Channi Himmat and Bahu Plaza in Jammu.

Further investigation in both matters is underway. [KNT]