JAMMU , FEBRUARY,25 :
The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) conducted Joint Surprise Checks (JSCs) at multiple locations across the Jammu division following complaints regarding widespread illegal mining activities allegedly carried out by mining block holders in connivance with certain officers and officials of the Mining and Ecological Departments.
According to official sources, the ACB received several complaints highlighting large-scale violations and irregularities in mining operations. Acting upon these inputs, dedicated teams were constituted to carry out coordinated inspections aimed at curbing illegal practices and ensuring compliance with established norms.
During the course of the Joint Surprise Checks, ACB teams carried out extensive searches at stone crushers located at Bajalta (Jammu), Gandyal (Kathua), Kaller and Doongi (Rajouri), along with inspections at the District Mineral Office Rajouri and mining blocks at Saranu (Rajouri), Anji (Reasi) and Arnas (Reasi).
Officials stated that most of the stone crusher units and mining block holders were allegedly found indulging in illegal mining activities and operating in blatant violation of prescribed terms and conditions, resulting in significant ecological degradation in the affected regions. During the inspections, teams seized mobile phones, computers, documents and other records from various sites, which are currently under scrutiny to identify irregularities and establish accountability.
Meanwhile, in connection with investigation of FIR No. 02/2026 registered at Police Station ACB Central against Inspector Vijay Choudhary, ACB conducted searches at multiple locations including residential houses at Santokh Vihar (Kaluchak, Jammu) and Nonial (Nowshera, Rajouri), a flat at GTB Nagar, Channi Rama (Jammu), a farmhouse at Marjali (Gharota), a stone crusher at Tutte di Khui (Bajalta), tile factories, as well as residential and official premises of Naresh Sharma alias Raju at Channi Himmat and Bahu Plaza, Jammu.Further investigation in the matter is underway.