District Mining Officers of Udhampur and Reasi Among Those Named; Searches Underway at Residential and Commercial Premises
Udhampur, October 16 :
The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a criminal case against mining department officials and several private individuals over allegations of illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals, overcharging and alleged manipulation and misuse of electronic challans.
According to the ACB, FIR No. 09/2026 has been registered at Police Station ACB Udhampur against Rajeev Jammu, Assistant Mining Engineer; Rameshwar Sangra, District Mining Officer, Reasi; Swaran Singh Rathore; and other private persons in connection with the alleged irregularities.
The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended, along with other applicable legal provisions.
Mining Beyond Permitted Limits Under Scanner
According to the allegations emerging from the enquiry, certain private mining operators, including stone crusher unit operators, were allegedly involved in extracting minor minerals beyond permissible limits and continuing mining activities after the expiry of their lease validity.
The enquiry also reportedly uncovered allegations of charging consumers and other parties rates higher than those notified by the government, besides the alleged manipulation and misuse of e-challans used for the transportation of minerals.
Investigators have also flagged the alleged operation of stone crusher units beyond the validity of their mandatory Consent to Operate (CTO), raising questions over compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Officials Allegedly Facilitated Irregularities
The ACB stated that the enquiry had indicated the alleged involvement of concerned public servants in facilitating the activities in connivance with private operators.
Investigators are now examining the individual roles of the accused, the extent of alleged illegal mineral extraction and transportation, and the scale of alleged overcharging and other irregularities.
The investigation will also establish whether the alleged activities caused financial losses to the government exchequer and, if so, determine the amount involved.
Searches Launched at Multiple Locations
As part of the ongoing investigation, the ACB has initiated searches at the residential and commercial premises of the accused persons in connection with the case.
The searches and further investigation are currently underway, while additional details are awaited.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau reiterated its commitment to taking action in accordance with law against those found involved in illegal mining, alleged misuse of official positions, corruption and activities resulting in losses to the government exchequer.
The allegations against the accused are subject to investigation, and their guilt has not been established at this stage.(KNC)