Baramullla Results: Who Is Abdul Rashid Sheikh, Lodged In Tihar Jail For Terror-Funding Activities?

Abdul Rashid Sheikh, also known as 'Engineer Rashid', an independent candidate for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat, has shown a significant increase in his assets, now valued at Rs 1.55 crore.

Independent candidate Abdul Rashid Sheikh, who is lodged in Tihar for alleged terror-funding activities, has become a giant slayer by defeating National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah and People's Conference chairman Sajad Lone in the Baramulla Lok Sabha.

As per the data on the Election Commission website, he has secured 472481 votes and won the seat by a margin of 204142 against his nearest rival Omar Abdullah who got 268339 votes.

Sajad Lone has garnered 173239.

Who is Abdul Rashid Sheikh?

Known as 'Engineer Rashid', he is a science graduate with a diploma in civil engineering.

The former MLA's assets are now valued at Rs 1.55 crore compared to Rs 80 lakh in 2019. It includes a 41,072 sq ft non-agriculture land in his home town Langate and a house in Srinagar worth Rs 90 lakh.

A science graduate with a diploma in civil engineering, Rashid has declared Rs 11.31 lakh home loan and Rs 3.11 lakh Kissan Credit Card loan as liabilities.

Political Journey

Rashid was arrested in 2019 after being implicated in a National Investigation Agency (NIA) case related to money laundering and waging war against the country. The case also named Hafeez Saeed, the chief of the banned group Lashker-e-Taiba. Despite these allegations, Rashid continues his political pursuits with support from the Democratic Progressive Azad Party led by Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Rashid won the Langate assembly segment in 2008 and 2014. He unsuccessfully contested the 2019 parliamentary elections. In October 2017, he hosted a beef party at the MLA hostel in Srinagar, sparking controversy and leading to an assault by BJP MLAs the next day.

Assets Declared

Abdul Rashid Sheikh, an independent candidate from the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat, has reported a significant increase in his assets over the past five years, according to his poll affidavit. The former MLA's assets are now valued at Rs 1.55 crore, up from Rs 80 lakh in 2019.

Rashid's declaration includes a 41,072 sq ft non-agriculture land in his hometown Langate and a house in Srinagar worth Rs 90 lakh. In contrast, his liabilities include an Rs 11.31 lakh home loan and an Rs 3.11 lakh Kissan Credit Card loan.

The 59-year-old has only Rs 1,424 in his sole bank account. His financial disclosures show his income source as a pension, with his spouse working as a housemaid. Five years ago, Rashid declared a house in Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar, purchased in 2017, as his only asset, with a liability of Rs 60 lakh towards a home loan.

Current Campaign and Support

Rashid has formed the Awami Itihad Party and is contesting the Lok Sabha polls as an independent candidate. His supporters, claiming his innocence, are campaigning with the slogan "jail ka badla vote se." His son Abrar and former Congress MLA Shoib Lone are leading his campaign in Langate, North Kashmir.

Details of the NIA Case

The NIA FIR alleges that Rashid raised and collected funds through illegal means to support separatist and militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Accusations include stone-pelting on security forces, burning schools, damaging public property, and waging war against India. Rashid's name surfaced during the interrogation of businessman Zahoor Watali, a co-accused.

Rashid's bail application was rejected by a special court in Delhi, which stated that he received unaccounted funds from Watali. The court found reasonable grounds for a prima facie case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.