Engineer Rashid Walks Free from Tihar Jail to Campaign in J&K Elections

Engineer Rashid, also known as Sheikh Abdul Rashid, was released from Tihar Jail on interim bail to campaign for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Rashid had been incarcerated since 2019 for a 2017 terror funding case. His release comes in time to prepare for the polling phases starting September 18.

In a significant political development, Engineer Rashid walked out of Tihar Jail on Wednesday, a day after a court granted him interim bail until October 2. The decision allows Rashid, also known as Sheikh Abdul Rashid, to campaign for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters outside the prison, Rashid affirmed his commitment to his constituency. He was greeted by his sons and supporters, who celebrated his release. Rashid has been in jail since 2019, following an arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a 2017 terror funding case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Rashid, an influential political figure, defeated former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. He heads the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), which is contesting the upcoming assembly elections. Polling will take place in three phases starting September 18, with results due on October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)