engineer-rashid-gets-2-hour-parole-for-taking-oath-as-mp

A Delhi court has granted a two-hour parole to Baramulla MP-elect Engineer Rashid, currently jailed in Tihar Jail, allowing him to be sworn in as a Lok Sabha member on July 5.

Engineer Rashid, incarcerated in connection with a money laundering case linked to terror funding, had sought interim bail or parole for the swearing-in ceremony.

 

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) did not oppose parole but requested the court impose restrictions, including a ban on media interactions.

 

Engineer Rashid, who triumphed over National Conference Vice President and former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the Baramulla constituency by a margin of over 200,000 votes, will now have the chance to take his parliamentary oath.

 

Hailing from north Kashmir’s Baramulla, he was arrested in August 2019 by the NIA.

 

Engineer Rashid's name surfaced during the investigation when Srinagar-based businessman Zahoor Watali informed the NIA about Rashid's alleged links with terror and separatist organisations.

 

The charges against him are linked to a money laundering case associated with terror funding. Specifically, Rashid is accused of receiving funds from various sources to finance terrorist activities and unrest in Jammu and Kashmir.

 

The NIA's investigation is part of a broader crackdown on terror financing networks in the region. Rashid was allegedly involved in funnelling money to separatist leaders and organisations, which was then used to incite violence and support militant operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

 

These charges fall under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which aim to combat terrorism and its financing in India.

 

While incarcerated, Rashid decided to contest the Lok Sabha elections from the Baramulla constituency. His son, Abrar Rashid, convinced him to run and led campaign efforts on his behalf.

 

Rashid’s victory is seen as a significant political development, reflecting a strong voter base and an effective campaign strategy despite his imprisonment.