Baramulla MP Rashid Engineer Granted Interim Bail Amid Controversial Terror Funding Case

Baramulla MP Rashid Engineer, granted interim bail in a terror funding case by Delhi's NIA court, heads to J&K, critiquing PM Modi’s vision of 'Naya Kashmir.' The court imposed conditions on media interaction and deferred the decision on his regular bail to October 2024.

Baramulla MP Rashid Engineer, recently granted interim bail by Delhi's special NIA court in a terror funding case, left for Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. Engineer emphasized the importance of the upcoming elections, arguing that Kashmir is at a crucial stage and critiquing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Naya Kashmir' vision.

The Patiala House Court issued a release order for Engineer with the condition that he must not speak to the media about the ongoing case. This came after interim bail was granted ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. The initial bail has been extended until October 2, with the next hearing on his regular bail set for October 5, 2024.

Rashid Engineer's legal representation, Vikhyat Oberoi, argued that the interim bail was necessary for his election campaign and parliamentary duties. However, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) opposed the regular bail, citing potential misuse of his parliamentary position to influence witnesses. Rashid, who defeated ex-Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the 2024 elections, remains under judicial scrutiny as the case progresses.

(With inputs from agencies.)