Three publishers have been arrested by the Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) in connection with the publication and distribution of two controversial books that allegedly glorified separatist leaders and were supplied to government schools in Jammu and Kashmir.
The arrests were made on Sunday following coordinated raids in Jammu and Delhi as part of an ongoing investigation into the circulation of the books under the Centre’s Samagra Shiksha scheme.
The arrested publishers have been identified as Inderpaul of Jammu-based Oberoi Book Service and Amardeep Singh and Girish Arora of Noida-based Dominant Publishers. Police officials said the investigation is continuing and more arrests are likely.
Books Found in Government School Libraries
The case relates to two books: Personalities and Legends of J&K, authored by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena and published by Oberoi Book Service, and Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir, authored by Sushant Giri and published by Dominant Publishers.
According to officials, the books contained material that allegedly glorified separatist leaders, including Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Masarat Alam and Maqbool Bhat.
Authorities said around 251 copies of the books were distributed to government schools across Jammu and Kashmir. Of these, 123 copies were supplied to institutions in Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur districts, while 128 copies were sent to schools in Jammu and Baramulla.
Police Investigation Underway
The Counter Intelligence unit registered an FIR on July 4 under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity, endangering the sovereignty and integrity of India, and circulating objectionable material. Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has also been invoked.
Officials said the investigation is focused on the role of the publishers in printing and distributing the books.
“The investigation is continuing, and further arrests are likely as the probe progresses,” officials said.
Searches were also conducted at the premises of both publishing houses on July 6. Authorities stated that both publishers had earlier been blacklisted by the government.
Administrative Action After Controversy
The controversy emerged after objections were raised by political parties, including the BJP and the Congress, over the content of the books.
The School Education Department withdrew both publications from government schools on July 3.
Following the controversy, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered a high-level inquiry into how the books were procured and circulated in government schools. He also suspended eight officials and terminated the services of a contractual employee in connection with the matter.
