The Counter Intelligence (CI) wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted simultaneous searches in Jammu and Noida on Monday as part of an investigation into two publications accused of glorifying separatists. The raids targeted the headquarters of Samagra Shiksha in Jammu and the office of a publisher in Noida, where officials questioned personnel and seized documents and digital evidence.
Searches at Samagra Shiksha and Publisher's Office
The CI team searched the Samagra Shiksha headquarters at Channi Himmat in Jammu, interrogating the director and other officials. Simultaneously, another team searched a publisher's office in Noida. Officials confirmed that searches were ongoing when the last reports were received. No arrests have been made so far.
Books Under Scrutiny
The two books are 'Personalities and Legends of J&K', authored by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena, published by Jammu-based Oberoi Book Service, and 'Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir', authored by Sushant Giri, published by Delhi-based Anurag Prakashan. Political parties and groups alleged that the books contained material glorifying separatists.
Government Action
On Saturday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha suspended eight officials of the School Education Department, removed a contractual employee, and ordered an inquiry into the books, calling their contents “highly inappropriate.” The School Education Department had already withdrawn both books from circulation on Friday after objections were raised.
Distribution Details
According to officials, 123 copies of one book were supplied to schools in Jammu, Ramban, and Udhampur districts, while 128 copies of the other were distributed in Jammu and Baramulla districts. The books were intended for use in educational institutions.
Legal Action
An FIR was registered on Saturday under Sections 49 (abetment), 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), 152 (endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India), 196 (promoting enmity and disharmony), and 353 (publishing false statements) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The CI unit had earlier searched the premises of one publisher at Bahu Plaza in Jammu city.
Investigation Continues
Investigators have seized physical documents and digital evidence during the searches, but no arrests have been made. The probe aims to determine the extent of the alleged glorification and any links to unlawful activities. The controversy has sparked political debate in the region.
