Court Denies Interim Bail to MP Rashid Amid Father's Health Crisis

The Patiala House Court has rejected the interim bail plea of Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, commonly known as Engineer Rashid, who sought release to visit his ailing father. The decision, rendered on Friday by Special Judge (NIA) Prashant Sharma, followed a hearing where arguments were presented by both the defense and the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) representing the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

SPP Gautam Khazanchi argued against the interim bail, citing a confidential report. However, he acknowledged that Rashid could be granted custody parole. The NIA expressed no objection to this form of temporary release, allowing Rashid to see his father.

Advocate Vikhyat Oberoi, representing Rashid, argued that the report in question should be provided to the accused to be admissible. He emphasized the gravity of Rashid's father's condition, who is currently on ventilator support. Oberoi noted that Rashid was previously granted interim bail for electoral participation, questioning the basis of the current opposition.

The court had previously allowed the NIA time to respond to Rashid's plea for interim relief, filed on grounds of his father's deteriorating health. Rashid, detained under a terror funding charge, remains in Tihar Jail. His regular bail application is still under consideration by the High Court. Rashid's legal team, including Advocate Nishita Gupta, continues to challenge the stance taken by the prosecution.

(With inputs from agencies.)