Jammu, July 6: The investigation into the controversial procurement of books for government school libraries in Jammu and Kashmir intensified on Monday, with Counter Intelligence Jammu (CIJ) teams conducting searches at the office of Samagra Shiksha in Jammu and seizing computers, laptops and official records related to the supply of the book ‘Personalities and Legends of J&K,’ officials sources told the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
The searches come days after police registered an FIR under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with two controversial publications alleged to contain material glorifying separatist figures.
Officials said the investigating team collected documents relating to the procurement and supply order of the controversial publication besides seizing computers, laptops and physical copies of the supply order for forensic and documentary examination.
The Project Director of Samagra Shiksha Bhawani Rakwal was not present in the Jammu office at the time of the searches as he is presently in Kashmir in connection with the Darbar Move, officials said. However, several employees present in the office were questioned by the investigating officers regarding the procurement process and movement of the books.
An official associated with the investigation said all seized electronic devices and documents will now be analyzed to establish the sequence of events, identify those responsible for approving the procurement and determine whether any procedural or legal violations were committed.
Simultaneously, search operations were also carried out at the offices of two publishers, one in Jammu and another in Noida, as investigators widened the probe into the publication and distribution of the books.
The controversy erupted after objections were raised over the contents of ‘Personalities and Legends of J&K’ and another publication, which were procured under the Samagra Shiksha scheme for government school libraries. The Jammu and Kashmir administration subsequently ordered the withdrawal of both books, suspended eight School Education Department officials, terminated the services of a contractual employee, ordered a departmental inquiry and directed that the publishers and authors be blacklisted from future government procurements.
The books allegedly contained references that triggered widespread criticism from national and regional political parties, prompting demands for criminal action and a thorough investigation into how they were approved for distribution in government schools.
Officials said the investigation is continuing and further action will be taken based on the evidence collected during the searches. [KNT]
