Engineer Rashid Seeks Custody Parole for Parliament Attendance Amid Terror Charges

Jammu and Kashmir MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, has requested custody parole from the Delhi High Court to attend a Parliament session, facing charges under the UAPA. His plea follows a previous denial, with his bail hearing scheduled for March 19.

Engineer Rashid, the Jammu and Kashmir Member of Parliament known for defeating Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the 2024 elections, is embroiled in a legal battle over alleged terror funding. Currently detained under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Rashid is seeking custody parole from the Delhi High Court to attend ongoing Parliament sessions.

On March 12, a bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Rajneesh Kumar Gupta will deliberate on Rashid's appeal after a trial court rejected his request for parole. Rashid argues that his parliamentary duties necessitate his physical presence during the sessions, as he aims to advocate for his constituency.

The charges against Rashid stem from a National Investigation Agency probe into terror funding in Kashmir. This investigation linked Rashid to businessman Zahoor Watali and other separatist leaders, leading to arrests and life sentences, including that of Yasin Malik. Rashid remains in Tihar Jail awaiting further court rulings.

(With inputs from agencies.)