The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has booked Inspector Vijay Choudhary, brother of J&K Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary, for alleged money laundering and possession of benami assets. The Deputy CM has slammed the move as 'selective targeting'.

  • ED has registered a case against Inspector Vijay Choudhary under PMLA.
  • The allegations involve the possession of several benami assets.
  • Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary termed the action as 'selective targeting'.
  • The accused is an Inspector previously suspended following an ACB FIR.

Jammu: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has officially booked Inspector Vijay Choudhary, the brother of Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, on charges of money laundering. This development follows a prior investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), which had registered an FIR against the officer for allegedly amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The ED's current probe focuses on the alleged possession of multiple benami assets. The officer, who is currently under suspension, now faces the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), significantly escalating the legal scrutiny surrounding his financial dealings.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this case transcends a simple corruption probe; it sits at the intersection of law enforcement and high-stakes regional politics. The involvement of a close relative of a sitting Deputy CM brings intense scrutiny to the impartiality of central agencies operating in the Union Territory, potentially fueling narratives of political vendetta.

"My brother is someone who fought against militancy and has survived militant attacks. Instead of being rewarded for his service, he is being targeted." - Surinder Choudhary

Responding to the news, Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary expressed deep indignation, labeling the ED's action as "selective targeting." While defending his brother's record of service against militancy, the Deputy CM emphasized that he would not be intimidated. However, he maintained a stance of judicial respect, stating that he would leave the matter to the investigating agencies and the courts.

The political fallout extended beyond the immediate investigation. The Deputy CM also leveled serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the party of opportunistic politics. He claimed that while the BJP seeks Muslim votes during elections, it pivots to "Hindu-Muslim politics" once the polls are over, describing this cycle as unfortunate for both Jammu and Kashmir and India at large.

Historically, the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has been characterized by intense friction between regional leaders and central agencies. The transition from an ACB investigation into a full-scale ED money laundering probe marks a significant escalation in the legal challenges facing the Deputy CM's family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the specific charges against Vijay Choudhary?
He is accused of money laundering and possessing various benami assets that are disproportionate to his legal income.

2. How has the Deputy CM reacted to the ED's action?
He has called it selective targeting and stated that he has complete faith in the judiciary to decide the matter.