NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has opposed Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh’s plea for custody parole to attend the ongoing Lok Sabha session, stating that his election as an MP cannot be used to secure interim bail under the guise of public service.
In an affidavit filed on Monday, the NIA asserted that being a parliamentarian does not exempt Rashid from judicial custody, as lawmakers have no statutory right to attend sessions while under lawful detention.
Rashid’s plea was set for hearing on Tuesday but was adjourned at the request of both sides. The case is now expected to be heard on March 25. Meanwhile, a trial court is set to rule on his regular bail plea on Wednesday.
The NIA has accused Rashid of promoting separatism. It also alleged that he is engaging in “forum shopping” by seeking custody parole while his regular bail plea awaits a verdict on March 19.
Rashid had challenged a Patiala House court’s March 10 order denying him custody parole. He argued that he represents Baramulla, home to 45% of Jammu and Kashmir’s population. However, the NIA maintains that attending Parliament is not a valid reason for relief.
Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, who defeated Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, is facing trial in a terror funding case over allegations that he financed separatist and militant groups in Jammu and Kashmir.
Arrested by the NIA in 2019 in connection with the 2017 terror funding case, Rashid has been lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail since then.
In October 2019, he was chargesheeted, and in March 2022, a special NIA court framed charges against him under IPC Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 121 (waging war against the government), and 124A (sedition), along with provisions of the UAPA related to terrorist activities and terror financing.
