J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau Conducts Raids on Deputy CM's Brother in Disproportionate Assets Case
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police executed coordinated searches on Wednesday at multiple properties associated with Vijay Choudhary, the brother of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary. Vijay Choudhary, a serving police inspector currently posted in Ladakh, is under investigation in an alleged disproportionate assets case that has sent political ripples across the region.
Details of the ACB Operation and Seizures
According to an official spokesperson, ACB teams conducted simultaneous raids at several locations linked to Vijay Choudhary. These included his residential premises at Santokh Vihar in Kaluchak and Nonial in Nowshera, which falls under Jammu's Rajouri district. Additionally, searches were carried out at business premises located at Tutte di Khui and Bajalta in Jammu, among other undisclosed sites.
During the extensive operation, sleuths seized what they described as incriminating documents that are now central to the ongoing investigation. The ACB spokesperson emphasized that further inquiries are actively proceeding based on the evidence gathered.
Allegations of Massive Asset Accumulation
Sharing more specifics, the ACB spokesperson revealed that the confiscated documents indicate Vijay Choudhary had amassed assets valued at crores of rupees, which appear highly disproportionate to his known and legitimate sources of income as a police officer. The investigation alleges that he acquired more than ten properties, including residential houses, commercial shops, and plots of land, registered in the names of family members, relatives, and other associates.
Based on preliminary findings, authorities have determined that a case of criminal misconduct is substantiated against Vijay Choudhary under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Consequently, a First Information Report (FIR) has been formally registered, marking a significant escalation in the legal proceedings.
Deputy CM's Strong Reaction and Legal Stance
In response to the raids, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary launched a vehement defense, labeling the actions as politically motivated and driven by revenge. He asserted that the searches were an attempt to intimidate his family and malign his reputation unjustly.
Addressing media persons, the deputy CM stated, "My family has nothing to conceal, and we are prepared to fight this legally." While firmly maintaining his brother's innocence, he added that Vijay should face appropriate punishment if any wrongdoing is conclusively proven through due legal process.
The case has ignited a fresh debate on corruption and political accountability in Jammu and Kashmir, with the ACB's actions underscoring a rigorous crackdown on alleged financial irregularities among public servants. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on the judicial outcomes and their potential implications for regional governance.
