Delhi Court to Rule on MP Engineer Rashid's Bail in J&K Terror Funding Case

A Delhi court is set to decide on the bail application of Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid, detained since 2019 for alleged involvement in a 2017 Jammu and Kashmir terror funding case. The National Investigation Agency opposes his release, citing risks of evidence tampering and witness influence.

A Delhi court is likely to pronounce on September 4 its order on an application filed by Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid, seeking regular bail in a 2017 Jammu and Kashmir terror funding case. Rashid has been in jail since 2019.

Sheikh Abdul Rashid, commonly known as Engineer Rashid, defeated Omar Abdullah in the Baramulla constituency during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh heard the bail arguments during in-camera proceedings and reserved the order.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) opposed Rashid's bail, citing fears he might tamper with evidence and influence witnesses. The agency also claimed Rashid misused phone facilities in Tihar Central Jail and supported extremist narratives. Rashid's name came up during the investigation of Kashmiri businessman Zahoor Watali. The court previously granted Rashid custody parole to take the MP oath.

(With inputs from agencies.)