NIA Challenges Engineer Rashid's Bail Petition in Delhi High Court
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Synopsis
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has opposed Engineer Rashid's plea for interim bail in the Delhi High Court. The incarcerated MP seeks permission to attend the ongoing Budget session of Parliament while facing serious charges, including terror funding, under the UAPA.
Key Takeaways
- The NIA is opposing Engineer Rashid's plea for interim bail.
- Engineer Rashid was elected while imprisoned.
- He faces charges under the UAPA and a money laundering case.
- The Delhi High Court is reviewing his bail request.
- His brother recently won the Assembly elections in J&K.
New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has voiced its opposition on Monday to a plea submitted to the Delhi High Court by imprisoned Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid, who is seeking interim bail.
A panel led by Justice Vikas Mahajan was deliberating on Engineer Rashid's request for interim bail to participate in the ongoing Budget session of the Parliament, which commenced on January 31 and is set to conclude on April 4.
Engineer Rashid triumphed in the Lok Sabha elections from J&K’s Baramulla constituency, defeating National Conference (NC) Vice President and the sitting Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, by a margin exceeding two lakh votes while he was detained in Tihar Jail. He was taken into custody by the NIA in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The ED has also initiated a money laundering investigation against Engineer Rashid and other accused parties based on the NIA's FIR, which alleges their involvement in a conspiracy to wage war against the government and incite unrest in the Valley. In his application to the Delhi High Court, Engineer Rashid, who is implicated in a terror funding case, requested a custody parole if interim bail was not granted for attending the Parliament session.
Previously, the Delhi HC instructed the NIA to submit its position and scheduled the matter for hearing on January 30.
On December 24, 2024, Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh asked the District Judge to transfer Rashid’s case to a court designated for lawmakers since Rashid became an MP.
The Additional Sessions Judge had previously rejected Rashid's request for a prompt decision regarding his pending bail application in the NIA case.
Engineer Rashid has served as the representative for the north Kashmir Langate Assembly constituency in J&K on two occasions. His brother, Sheikh Khurshid Ahmad, emerged victorious in the 2024 Assembly elections from the same constituency.
