In an explosive revelation, Jammu & Kashmir Bank's Chief Manager, Sajad Ahmad Bazaz, was dismissed from his position. But what's the story behind it? It turns out that while serving in a respected financial institution of India, Bazaz had secret ties that no one suspected.

On the fateful day of August 20, the Jammu and Kashmir Bank took a bold step to remove Bazaz from his esteemed position. Why, you ask? The Jammu and Kashmir Crime Investigation Department (CID) made a shocking discovery about him being deeply associated with Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI. Talk about hiding in plain sight! The investigation unveiled that this wasn't a recent partnership. Sajad Ahmad was strategically positioned in the J&K Bank with the sinister purpose of advancing the extremist-separatist ideology. His modus operandi? Writing articles for a well-known regional daily, allegedly at the command of ISI.

The order from the J&K Bank's Managing Director was crystal clear and quite serious in tone, "Given the magnitude of the situation and considering the very security of our state, no further inquiry is deemed necessary in Sajad Ahmad Bazaz's case. Thus, I am compelled to release Mr. Bazaz from his duties effective immediately."

But let's rewind a bit. How did Bazaz end up in such a crucial position in the J&K Bank? Well, reports point fingers at Fayaz Kaloo, the owner and editor of Greater Kashmir. Sources suggest that the duo's collaboration started as early as 1990. Beginning his career as a humble cashier-cum-clerk in the bank, Bazaz's quick ascent to the position of head of internal communication by 2004 raises eyebrows. More so, when we find out that a unique editorial role, equivalent to a gazetted officer, was specially crafted for him. Coincidence? It's hard to say.

Not just satisfied with a pivotal role in the bank, Bazaz made sure he remained active in the media too. Illegally doubling up as a correspondent and columnist for Greater Kashmir, he masterfully crafted articles that subtly yet effectively spread Pakistani propaganda.

Media sources backed by the J&K CID revealed a pattern in Bazaz's writings. The content predominantly revolved around supporting and magnifying the extremist movement in Jammu and Kashmir. Through weekly columns in Greater Kashmir, titles like 'Off The Record' and 'What’s Up', Bazaz, either blatantly or with a hint of subtlety, echoed the Pakistani narrative, be it in seeking UN's involvement, proposing tripartite talks, or shedding light on supposed human rights violations. One can't help but wonder, for how long has the wolf been amidst the sheep?

The Enigma of Sajad Bazaz's Multiple Identities in Print

Sajad Bazaz's decision to write under different aliases was an intricately planned strategy, presumably to veil his genuine identity from the keen eyes of the public and authorities alike. When he began his literary journey in newspapers, he penned his pieces under the pseudonym 'Sajjad Ahmad'. However, over time, subtle changes emerged in the byline. He added an extra 'J' to his first name and decided to omit his last name altogether. This change, while seemingly minor, created a new facade for him. Later on, as the now-ousted chief manager of J&K Bank, he boldly wrote using the name 'Sajjad Bazaz'. This evolution in his byline isn't just a mere change in name but a testimony to the duality of his life and the secrets he harbored.

Bazaz's meteoric rise within the J&K Bank raised many eyebrows and led to whispers in the corridors of power. While the investigations unraveled, a startling revelation came to the fore. The eligibility criteria for specific positions in the bank appeared to be suspiciously altered, seemingly tailor-made for Bazaz. One such glaring example was when the bank rolled out applications for the fresh position of 'editor' — the call was exclusively for those in the cashier-cum-clerk role, positioning Bazaz as the primary contender.

Even more baffling was his rapid career trajectory, marked by three promotions in quick succession. And here's the kicker — all this while, he hadn't even cleared the mandatory CAIIB examination, a benchmark in the banking sector.

But the anomalies didn't stop there. The bank's decision to abolish the written test for certain positions was another move that appeared to favor Bazaz. By narrowing down the eligibility to just the cashier/clerk group, the bank virtually handed him a golden ticket, propelling his career forward. The investigators couldn't wrap their heads around one crucial fact — why would a man, known for his strong secessionist views and open disdain for the Indian state, be selected for such a prestigious position? The decision was backed by a panel of esteemed individuals, including MY Khan, the then bank chairman, Haseeb Drabu, the director, along with PZ Lateef and MA Shah, both holding significant positions in the bank's hierarchy. The puzzle of Bazaz's rise remains, shedding light on a potentially deeper nexus operating behind the scenes.

A Web of Financial Intrigue: Bazaz's Funding Ploys with J&K Bank's Resources

The intricate funding labyrinth that Bazaz designed becomes evident when one delves into the details of his financial transactions, particularly regarding the J&K Bank. The J&K CID shed light on how Bazaz, cleverly using his influential "Editor" position, channeled significant sums to handpicked local newspapers and magazines. The modus operandi was simple yet effective — rerouting the bank's advertisement budgets to his chosen outlets.

Digging deeper into this financial rabbit hole, a surprising pattern emerged. Greater Kashmir, a notable regional daily, seemed to be enjoying a lion's share of this redirected funding. Between 2015 and 2023, this newspaper received advertisement funds that were staggeringly higher compared to its peers. What might have caused this special treatment? The CID believed that it was Bazaz's own penmanship that benefited from this financial flow, as his pieces regularly adorned the paper's columns.

However, 2012 was a year that marked a significant shift in the media landscape. A myriad of pro-Pakistani newspapers and magazines mushroomed across the region. These weren't just fringe publications but platforms echoing strong narratives aligned with Pakistani and Jihadi interests, often with heightened fervor. Behind this surge was Bazaz, who, according to insider information, received directives from Pakistani agencies to cultivate such media platforms, furthering their narratives beyond the confines of Greater Kashmir.

But the story doesn't end with these transactions. Bazaz's financial web spanned much wider. Astonishingly, investigations unveiled that he operated approximately 68 accounts within the J&K Bank itself. His financial prowess was undeniable, but it's his connections that raised alarm bells. Bazaz's ties extended to the very bowels of the terrorist underworld. He maintained contact with Shabir Hussain Buch, a notorious affiliate of Mushtaq Latram, the head honcho of the radical Al-Umar Islamic terror group. More alarmingly, Buch also boasted associations with the dreaded Masood Azhar, the figurehead of the extremist Jaish e Muhammad outfit.

With each layer peeled back, the scale and depth of Bazaz's operations become more apparent — a vast nexus of finance, media, and radical extremism.