Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar

Srinagar, Jun 24: Baramulla Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid will be released on a five-day interim bail beginning Thursday to attend the Chehlum (40th-day religious observance) of his late father, according to the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP).

AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the temporary relief has been granted in accordance with earlier directions issued by the High Court.

“As per the earlier orders of the Hon'ble High Court, Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Engineer Rashid, will be released on interim bail on Thursday morning for a period of five days to enable him to participate in the Chehlum of his late father,” Nabi said.

The Chehlum ceremony of Khazir Mohammad Sheikh will be observed in keeping with religious traditions, and Engineer Rashid is expected to join family members, relatives, supporters and well-wishers during the occasion.

According to the party, Rashid will arrive in Srinagar on Thursday morning and will be available from Friday afternoon onwards to meet people who wish to offer condolences and express solidarity with the bereaved family.

The spokesperson said the occasion carries deep emotional significance for the MP, who has been unable to remain with his family due to his prolonged imprisonment.

Engineer Rashid is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in Delhi as an accused in a terror funding-related money laundering case.

Last week, he announced his intention to resign from the Lok Sabha, stating that his continued incarceration had prevented him from effectively addressing the day-to-day concerns of the people who elected him.

However, leaders of the Awami Ittehad Party later clarified that he would not be allowed to take such a decision without first consulting the people of the Baramulla constituency.

Engineer Rashid emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, defeating National Conference vice-president and current Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by a margin of more than two lakh votes from the Baramulla parliamentary seat.