The Delhi High Court has granted interim bail to Baramulla MP and Jammu and Kashmir Awami Ittehad Party chief Engineer Rashid in a terror funding case, enabling him to attend the 40th-day funeral ceremony of his late father in Kashmir.
The Division Bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Madhu Jain allowed Rashid, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail, temporary release for a limited period on humanitarian grounds. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had arrested the Baramulla MP in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with alleged terror funding activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Court took note of the submissions made on behalf of Rashid regarding the demise of his father and the significance of the traditional 40th-day religious ceremony to be held in Kashmir. His counsel urged the Bench to grant interim bail to allow him to participate in the final rites and family prayers.
The NIA opposed the plea, citing the serious nature of the allegations against Rashid and concerns regarding security and public order. However, after considering the circumstances, the Court decided to grant interim relief subject to stringent conditions.
The High Court directed that Rashid would remain under security supervision during the period of interim bail and would not engage in any public activity, address gatherings or interact with the media. It also imposed restrictions on his movement and directed him to surrender to jail authorities immediately after the interim bail period ends.
NIA had arrested Rashid in a terror funding case linked to allegations that separatist leaders, businessmen and others had received funds to fuel unrest and secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. He has remained in custody since 2019. Despite being in jail, Rashid contested and won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Baramulla as an independent-backed candidate, defeating former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The post Delhi High Court grants interim bail to MP Engineer Rashid in terror funding case appeared first on India Legal.