J&K Library Book Controversy: Counter Intelligence Raids Samagra Shiksha Jammu Office, Seizes Records

JAMMU, July 6 — The investigation into the controversial procurement of government school library books in Jammu and Kashmir intensified on Monday as Counter Intelligence Jammu (CIJ) teams raided the Samagra Shiksha office in Jammu. Investigators seized computers, laptops, and official records tied to the supply of the highly disputed book, ‘Personalities and Legends of J&K.’

This crackdown follows the recent registration of an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) over two publications alleged to contain material glorifying separatist figures. During the operation, CIJ teams gathered procurement documents, supply orders, and digital devices for forensic examination, while questioning several employees about the procurement process.

The Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, Bhawani Rakwal, was absent during the raid due to official duties in Kashmir tied to the Darbar Move. To widen the probe, simultaneous search operations were also executed at the premises of two publishers located in Jammu and Noida. The escalating controversy—which centers on objectionable content in books distributed under the Samagra Shiksha scheme—has already prompted the J&K administration to withdraw the books, suspend eight School Education Department officials, and terminate a contractual employee.

Furthermore, a formal departmental inquiry has been launched, and the involved authors and publishers face blacklisting from future government contracts. Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active, with subsequent legal actions depending heavily on the forensic analysis of the seized electronic data and documents.