‘Unfortunate,’ says J&K Deputy CM as ACB files assets case against his brother

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday registered a disproportionate assets case against Vijay Singh Choudhary, brother of Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary. The Deputy CM termed the action “unfortunate.”

Vijay Singh Choudhary, an Inspector with the J&K Police currently posted in the Union Territory of Ladakh, is a resident of Nonial in Nowshera, Rajouri district, and presently resides at Santokh Vihar, Kaluchak, Jammu. The ACB said the action was initiated following specific inputs.

“A verification was conducted into allegations of possession of huge disproportionate assets by Vijay Singh Choudhary,” an ACB spokesperson said.

According to the bureau, the verification revealed that while posted in different locations, the officer allegedly acquired assets worth crores of rupees, which were found to be highly disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The ACB stated that more than 10 properties — including houses, shops and plots of land measuring around 100 kanals — valued at several crores were allegedly acquired, mostly in the names of family members, relatives and associates.

Following the verification, the ACB said a prima facie case of criminal misconduct was established against Vijay Singh Choudhary under Sections 13(1)(b) read with 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. A formal case has been registered at Police Station ACB Central, and an investigation is underway.

During the investigation, search warrants were obtained from the court of the Special Judge, ACB. Searches were subsequently conducted at multiple locations, including his residence at Santokh Vihar, Kaluchak (Jammu); his ancestral house at Nonial, Nowshera (Rajouri); and business premises comprising a stone crusher unit and a tile factory at Tutte-di-Khui, Bajalta, Jammu.

The spokesperson added that additional locations in Jammu were searched under Section 185 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Incriminating documents were recovered and seized during the searches. Further investigation is in progress.

Speaking to the media, Surinder Choudhary defended his brother, stating that he had served with distinction and participated in anti-terror operations in areas such as Thanamandi and Doda.

“They have done this to an officer who, during his service, eliminated terrorists in areas like Thanamandi and Doda. He has always fought against terrorism and crime. Instead of promoting him, they have sent the ACB to his house. This is unfortunate. Today, they have come to stop his promotion so that he is not made DSP,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister added that his brother’s service record and reputation for tackling terrorism and criminal activities were well known in the areas where he was posted.