New Delhi: Rashid Sheikh, widely known as Engineer Rashid, has approached Delhis Patiala House Court seeking interim bail to take his oath as a newly elected Member of Parliament from Kashmir's Baramulla constituency. Rashid, who has been detained in Tihar Jail since August 9, 2019, on charges of alleged terror financing by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), recently won the Baramulla seat by a significant margin, defeating former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by 204,142 votes.
Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh has requested a response from the NIA regarding Rashids bail plea. Rashid's counsel, Advocate Vikhyat Oberoi, stated that an application for interim bail or alternative custody parole was filed to allow Rashid to fulfill his parliamentary duties. Although the court initially listed the matter for June 6, the NIA did not file a response, leading to the matter being rescheduled for a reply on Friday.
Oberoi emphasized Rashid's political history, noting his previous service as a two-time MLA. Having been elected as an MP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate, Rashid now awaits the official date for his oath-taking ceremony.
Who is Engineer Rashid?
Sheikh Abdul Rashid, founder of the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Ittehad Party, is a well-known political figure who served as an MLA from the Langate constituency in 2008 and 2014. Rashid, who earned the moniker Engineer Rashid after transitioning from his career as a construction engineer to politics, made his mark with a swift 17-day campaign for his first election win. Despite a loss in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he achieved a resounding victory in the 2024 elections, securing 472,481 votes in Baramulla.
Currently imprisoned in Tihar Jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Rashids recent campaign was spearheaded by his sons, Asrar and Abrar Rashid, who were optimistic about his chances due to the strong support witnessed at his rallies.
