Jammu: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) carried out joint surprise checks over two days at several locations in Udhampur and Reasi districts, targeting alleged illegal mining activities and suspected irregularities in mineral extraction.
The action followed complaints about large-scale unauthorised extraction of minerals in parts of the Jammu division. Officials said preliminary inputs also pointed towards a suspected nexus between mineral bidders and certain officials of the concerned departments.
Special ACB teams led by gazetted officers conducted coordinated inspections at multiple stone-crushing units in both districts to verify compliance with mining regulations.
During the raids, the ACB seized electronic devices, records and other documents for scrutiny. Investigators also recovered several allegedly forged ‘Form-A’ transit permits from operational sites.
According to officials, the inspected stone crushers were found operating in violation of prescribed terms and conditions, and cases of illegal mining were detected at various locations. The violations were stated to have caused environmental damage in the affected areas.
The bureau said further investigation has been initiated on the basis of the material collected during the inspections to ascertain individual responsibility and take appropriate legal action.
