Delhi Court Extends Interim Bail for Engineer Rashid in Terror Funding Case Until October 2

A Delhi court has extended the interim bail of Engineer Rashid, a Member of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla constituency, until October 2. Rashid, who has been in Tihar Jail since 2019, was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with a terror funding probe in Kashmir.Rashid’s legal troubles began when his name surfaced during the investigation of Kashmiri businessman Zahoor Watali, who was accused of involvement in terrorism and secessionist funding. The NIA’s investigation into Watali uncovered connections between various separatist leaders, including Rashid, and terrorist organizations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed and Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin.Several key figures were also implicated in the same case, such as Abu Hanz Sara, a top terror funds supplier. Yasin Malik, the leader of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), was handed a life sentence in 2022 for his involvement in similar charges of terror funding and separatist activities.

Rashid, who has remained politically active, recently engaged in a political rivalry with Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference (NC) vice president, during the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency contest. He has now founded AIP which is also contesting in Assembly Elections. Despite the ongoing legal battle, the extension of his interim bail allows Rashid to continue participating in the political process while his case remains pending.

Meanwhile DPAP welcomes the release of Eng Rashid in interim bail. In a post on X, he said, ” I welcome the interim bail order granted to Eng. Rashid Sahib by the Delhi Patiala House Court. As a democratically elected MP with a strong mandate, this is a step towards justice and his right to campaign in the assembly elections.”