The Counter Intelligence Wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police has arrested three publishers in connection with the publication and distribution of books allegedly containing content that glorifies separatism in Jammu and Kashmir. The action follows a controversy over books supplied to government schools under the Samagra Shiksha programme.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Inderpaul, associated with Jammu-based Oberoi Book Service, and Amardeep Singh and Girish Arora, linked to Noida-based Dominant Publishers. According to officials, raids were conducted at multiple locations in Jammu and Delhi on July 6 as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities stated that both Oberoi Book Service and Dominant Publishers had previously been blacklisted by the government. Investigators are now examining the publishers’ involvement in printing and distributing books that allegedly contained objectionable material capable of promoting separatist ideology.

The controversy centers on 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 Delhi-based Anurag Prakashan. The books were reportedly available in government school libraries and came under scrutiny after social and political groups raised objections, alleging that they glorified separatist leaders and included highly inappropriate content.

Following the complaints, the Counter Intelligence Wing registered an FIR on July 4 under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The charges include Sections 49 (abetment), 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), 152 (endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India), 196 (promoting enmity and disharmony), and 353 (publishing or circulating false statements, rumours, or reports) of the BNS, along with Section 13 of the UAPA.

Officials said the investigation aims to determine how the books were approved, published, and circulated despite the alleged objectionable content. The police are also examining whether established procedures for vetting educational material were ignored.

The issue has also prompted administrative action. On July 4, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the suspension of eight officials and supervisory staff from the School Education Department over alleged negligence in approving the books.

An official departmental order stated that the books contained “highly inappropriate content” and pointed to serious negligence, dereliction of duty, and lack of due diligence by members of the screening committee and supervisory officers responsible for recommending the publications. The order further noted that the content had the potential to create law-and-order issues and undermine public confidence in the educational review process.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities indicating that additional action may follow as officials continue to examine the approval mechanism for educational books and identify those responsible for allowing the disputed publications into government schools.