Jammu and Kashmir Bank manager sacked after links with Pakistan's ISI surface

A chief manager of Jammu and Kashmir Bank was sacked Saturday after the allegations surfaced that he was a deep asset of Pakistani intelligence agency ISI. The accused, identified as Sajad Ahmad Bazaz, was let go after a probe by the Jammu and Kashmir criminal investigation department (CID). It is alleged that Bazaz was executing the ISI agenda writing columns in regional newspapers. 

Announcing the chief manager's dismissal, the bank issued an order stating: "“The undersigned is satisfied after considering the facts and circumstances of the case contained in the report received from credible agencies, that the activities of Mr Sajad Ahmad Bazaz, Chief Manager, Code no. 4484 posted at Internal Communication and Marketing Department are such as to warrant his dismissal from service." In the interest of the security of the State, it is not expedient to hold an inquiry in the case of Mr Sajad Ahmad Bazaz, Chief Manager.”

As per reports, Sajad, who hails from Srinagar joined the Jammu and Kashmir Bank in the year 1990 as cashier-cum-clerk. It is being claimed that he was planted at the bank by Pakistan’s ISI. Initially appointed as a cashier-cum-clerk, he was later promoted to chief manager. The bank is a public sector entity owned by the Jammu and Kashmir government. 

During the investigation, it was found that in almost all his write-ups and columns, he focused on glorifying the separatist and terrorist operations, campaigns and activities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. 

It was also revealed during the probe that after his activities came under scanner, he started hiding his identity and masked himself with different names in his columns. Further inquiry against him is being conducted and legal action is being taken.