In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has given its consent to jailed MP-elect from north Kashmir's Baramulla Lok Sabha seat, Engineer Rashid, taking oath as member of Parliament on July 5.
According to news sources, the NIA has given its consent to independent MP Rashid taking oath on July 5 in Parliament on the condition that he will not interact with the media. The Patiala House Court will pass an order in this regard on July 2.
Rashid, who defeated his nearest rival and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and NC Vice President Omar Abdullah in the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat, has sought interim bail or custody parole to take oath as MP.
An independent politician from Jammu and Kashmir Rashid is in jail on charges related to terror funding. He was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in August 2019.
Rashid, who is also known as Sheikh Abdul Rashid, was accused of being involved in a terror funding case, which is linked to a larger crackdown on alleged terror financing in the region.
The charges against him include conspiracy, funding terrorist activities, and aiding and abetting terrorism.
His arrest was part of a broader investigation into terror funding involving various individuals and organisations in Jammu and Kashmir.
While in jail, Engineer Rashid decided to contest the Lok Sabha polls from the Baramulla constituency, competing against NC Vice President Omar Abdullah and JK People's Conference chief Sajad Gani Lone.
He announced his candidacy and filed his nomination papers in April 2024. Initially hesitant, Rashid was persuaded by his son Abrar Rashid, who spearheaded the campaign.
Abrar explained that his father sought election as a means to expedite his release from jail.
Rashid's campaign gained momentum, with strong voter support leading to a significant victory over both Abdullah and Lone.
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