The Delhi Patiala House Court has reserved its order on the bail application of Rashid Engineer after a detailed in-camera hearing.
The court is expected to pronounce its decision on September 4.
Engineer Rashid, a prominent political leader from Jammu Kashmir and president of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), has been at the center of a high-profile legal case that has garnered widespread attention.
Rashid was arrested in August 2019 by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with a terror funding case, which has implicated several key figures from the region.
The case involves allegations that funds were channeled from Pakistan to finance terror activities in Jammu Kashmir, with the purported involvement of separatist leaders.
Throughout his detention, Rashid has maintained his innocence, arguing that the charges against him are politically driven and part of a broader attempt to suppress dissent in the region.
During the in-camera hearing, Rashid’s defense team emphasized the lack of concrete evidence linking him to the alleged crimes. They also highlighted his deteriorating health as a reason for granting bail.
The prosecution, however, has opposed his release, citing the serious nature of the charges and ongoing investigations, warning that his release could interfere with the probe and pose risks to national security.
The upcoming court decision on September 4 is eagerly anticipated, as it could have significant ramifications not only for Rashid but also for the broader political landscape in Jammu Kashmir, especially with the region heading towards assembly elections.
Rashid’s case has become a focal point in the broader debate over political freedoms, security, and the future of the region’s governance.