JAMMU — The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir has registered a case against two mining officials and several private persons over alleged illegal mining, overcharging and manipulation of electronic challans, officials said.
The case, registered as FIR No. 09/2026 at ACB Police Station Udhampur on October 15, names Assistant Mining Engineer Rajeev Jammu, District Mining Officer Udhampur, District Mining Officer Reasi Rameshwar Sangra, Swaran Singh Rathore and other private persons as accused.
According to the ACB, the case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended, and other applicable laws.
The investigation has revealed allegations that certain private mining operators, including stone crusher operators, extracted minor minerals beyond permissible limits and continued mining activities after the expiry of their lease validity.
The accused are also alleged to have charged rates higher than those notified by the government, manipulated or misused e-challans and operated stone crusher units beyond the validity of their required Consent to Operate (CTO).
The ACB has further alleged that public servants facilitated these activities in connivance with private operators.
The agency is investigating the individual roles of the accused, the extent of alleged illegal extraction and transportation of minerals, overcharging and the resulting loss to the government exchequer.
The ACB has also launched searches at the residential and commercial premises of the accused persons. Searches and further investigation are underway, the agency said.
The bureau said strict action would be taken against those found involved in illegal mining, corruption, misuse of official positions and causing losses to the government exchequer. — (KIMS)