The Patiala House Court today granted interim bail to Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, allowing him to participate in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. However, the court postponed the decision on his regular bail application and imposed restrictions on speaking to the media about the ongoing terror funding case. The bail extends until October 2. Celebrations ensued in Jammu and Kashmir but rival political parties expressed discontent, citing concerns about Rashid’s potential influence as a Member of Parliament. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) opposed his regular bail, alleging that he could influence witnesses and had previously defended terrorist acts. His lawyer argued that the interim bail was crucial for campaign purposes. Rashid, who won the Baramulla seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is seeking bail as his case unfolds. In 2005, he was arrested for alleged support of militants, and in 2019, he was detained under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
