Several backdoor appointments: Reasons behind removal of Parvez Ahmad
Several backdoor appointments: Reasons behind removal of Parvez Ahmad
Jammu, June 10 (HS): Parvez Ahmed, who was removed as the Chairman of the J&K Bank, was allegedly involved in corruption, nepotism and favouritism, and the action against him was an effort to combat such activities and bring mighty people with “dubious credentials” before law, officials said today.
The action was taken by the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB), which was established a few months ago in Jammu and Kashmir, currently under the President’s rule, following persistence of the Ministry of Home Affairs to improve governance, clamp down on terror-funding and money laundering.
The action against the J&K Bank Chairman and investigation into alleged backdoor appointments, “irregularities, loot and plunder” is intended to cleanse the system, a Government official said on the condition of anonymity.
It may be recalled that the Government on Saturday removed Parvez Ahmed from the post of Chairman and Managing Director. The Anti-Corruption Bureau also raided the bank’s headquarters.
Sources said that Parvez Ahmed was allegedly involved in corruption, nepotism and favouritism. They said that he has made several backdoor appointments and illegal recruitments in the bank during last two years.
Sources said that even during the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, over 60 people were employed in the bank in violation of Code of Conduct.
He allegedly appointed his nephew, Muzaffar Ahmad illegally and posted him into his office immediately after taking over as Chairman in 2016. His daughter-in-law, Shazia Ambreen, was also allegedly appointed as a Probationary Officer and is heading the Hazratbal branch.
Shamsudin Andrabi, brother of former Minister Farooq Andrabi and relative of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was appointed as Manager and is posted in Bhaderwah branch of the Bank. He was appointed illegally when his qualification is 12th pass.
He also appointed Sajjad Ahmad Sofi son of BJP leader and former law maker Mohammad Yusuf Sofi of Srigufwara Anantnag as Manager who is presently posted at Jammu and Kashmir Bank Corporate Office.
Two of his relatives, Asif Beg and Fahim, both nephew, allegedly control the HR and Board affairs including the credit proposals of the bank.
Two branches of J&K Bank, Kapran in Shopian and Wuyan in Pulwama, operate allegedly from his own premises and those of his in-laws respectively.
The Bank recently signed an insurance deal with IFFCO Tokio General Insurance Company where the son of Chairman’s sister reportedly works. Interiors works of large numbers of the Bank branches were allegedly allotted to select individuals for Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore per branch on huge kickbacks.
Sources said that Rs 8 crore has been spent as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on beautification of Royal Spring Golf Course.
