The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has carried out joint surprise checks across multiple districts in the Jammu division amid widespread complaints of illegal mining activities. Teams raided several stone crushers and mining blocks, seizing documents, mobiles, and computers for scrutiny, as most sites were found violating lease conditions and causing ecological damage.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the ACB initiated the operation following multiple complaints alleging that mining block holders (lessees) were engaged in large-scale illegal extraction in connivance with certain officers and officials from the Mining and Ecological Departments. To address these allegations, the bureau formed special teams to conduct Joint Surprise Checks (JSCs) at various locations in the Jammu division on February 25.
During the checks, ACB teams carried out extensive searches at stone crushers in Bajalta (Jammu district), Gandyal (Kathua district), Kaller and Doongi (both in Rajouri district), the District Mineral Office in Rajouri, and mining blocks in Saranu (Rajouri), Anji and Arnas (both in Reasi district). Officials reported that the majority of the stone crushers and block holders inspected were involved in illegal mining operations, operating in clear violation of their lease terms and conditions. Such activities have reportedly led to significant and irreversible ecological degradation in the affected areas. The teams seized mobile phones, computers, and various documents and records from these sites, which are now under detailed examination to identify specific irregularities and potential involvement of public servants.
In a related development, as part of the investigation into FIR No. 02/2026 registered at Police Station ACB Central against Inspector Vijay Choudhary of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the bureau conducted separate searches at multiple premises linked to the accused. These included his residential house at Santokh Vihar in Kaluchak (Jammu), another residence at Nonial in Nowshera (Rajouri district), a flat at GTB Nagar in Channi Rama (Jammu, opposite Birla Open School), a farmhouse at Marjali in Gharota, a stone crusher at Tutte di Khui in Bajalta (Jammu), tile factories, as well as the residential and official premises of Naresh Sharma alias Raju at Channi Himmat and Bahu Plaza in Jammu, respectively. Important documents were recovered during these searches and are being scrutinised.
The action has drawn attention due to Inspector Vijay Choudhary being the brother of Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who holds the mining portfolio. However, the ACB has not officially linked the disproportionate assets case against the inspector directly to specific mining leases, though sources indicate the probe forms part of broader efforts to curb alleged illegal mining networks across the region.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
