Delhi Court Junks Parole Plea Of Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Monday turned down the custody parole request of Baramulla MP, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid. He had sought permission to attend an upcoming Parliament session. The court's decision was made by Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh, who also scheduled a hearing for Rashid's regular bail plea on March 19.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was asked by the court to respond to Rashid's plea on March 3. After hearing the arguments, the court reserved its verdict. Advocate Vikhyat Oberoi filed the application on February 27, arguing that Rashid needed to attend Parliament due to his responsibilities as a public servant.

Background and Legal Proceedings

Rashid has been in Tihar Jail since 2019 following his arrest by the NIA under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act related to a 2017 terror funding case. His name surfaced during investigations into Kashmiri businessman Zahoor Watali, who was accused of financing terrorist groups and separatists in Kashmir.

The NIA's chargesheet in this case included several individuals such as Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik, Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed, and Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin. These developments have kept Rashid entangled in legal proceedings over the years.

Political Career and Recent Developments

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rashid defeated then Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Baramulla. Despite being incarcerated, he was granted interim bail on September 10 to campaign for Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. He surrendered back to Tihar Jail on October 27 after completing his campaign duties.

The elections for the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir assembly were conducted in three phases from September 18 to October 1. The results declared on October 8 showed a clear majority for the National Conference-Congress alliance with 48 seats.

Future Legal Steps

The Delhi High Court had earlier instructed the sessions judge to expedite Rashid's bail plea decision. As his regular bail petition remains pending, all eyes are now on the upcoming hearing scheduled for March 19.