Engineer Rashid Faces Attack From Transgender Inmates In Tihar Jail

Engineer Rashid, a Member of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir, was reportedly attacked by transgender inmates in Tihar Jail, Delhi. The incident occurred after a disagreement, according to prison sources. Rashid sustained only minor injuries from the altercation. Authorities have dismissed any claims of a murder plot as baseless, clarifying that Rashid is currently sharing his cell with three transgender inmates.

Rashid has been incarcerated since 2019 due to allegations related to terror funding. He was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with a 2017 case. The charges against him include funding separatists and terrorist groups in Jammu and Kashmir. In October 2019, he was formally charged, and by March 2022, an NIA court had framed charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Terror Funding Allegations

The Baramulla MP's legal troubles began when accusations surfaced about his involvement in financing terrorism. Rashid is accused of providing financial support to separatist factions and terror organisations within Jammu and Kashmir. These allegations led to his arrest and subsequent detention in Tihar Jail since 2019.

Despite his legal challenges, Rashid managed to secure interim bail for one month last September. This temporary release allowed him to participate in campaigning for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. His political journey saw him defeating prominent figures like Omar Abdullah and Sajjad Gani Lone during the Lok Sabha elections from Baramulla constituency.

Political Career Highlights

Rashid's political career took a significant turn when he founded the Awami Ittehad Party. His victory in the Lok Sabha polls was marked by a substantial margin of 2,04,142 votes over his opponents. Despite being embroiled in legal battles, he was granted custody parole during both the Monsoon and Budget sessions earlier this year.

The charges against Rashid are severe, involving criminal conspiracy, waging war against the government, sedition, and offences related to terrorist acts under UAPA. These charges were officially framed by an NIA court in March 2022 following his initial charge sheet in October 2019.

Prison authorities have reiterated that there is no evidence supporting any murder conspiracy against Rashid within Tihar Jail. They maintain that he remains housed with three transgender inmates without any further incidents reported.