Jailed Jammu and Kashmir MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, was allegedly assaulted inside Delhi’s Tihar Jail by transgender inmates following an argument, prison sources said on Friday.
According to officials cited in an Indian Today report, the Baramulla MP sustained only minor injuries in the incident, which occurred in Jail Number 3, where he is currently lodged with three transgender inmates. Jail authorities dismissed reports of any “murder conspiracy” as unfounded.
Reacting to the incident, Rashid’s son, Abrar Rashid, on Saturday, expressed shock and condemned the attack.
“The Awami Ittehad Party has issued a statement stating that Engineer Rashid was about to meet his counsel today, during which he revealed how a dreadful attack was carried out on him inside the jail. This is very shocking, not just for me and my family but also for those currently in Tihar Jail,” Abrar stated.
He further appealed to the Centre to ensure his father’s safety.
“The party and I condemn the attack, and we request the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and jail authorities to ensure the safety of Kashmiri prisoners there. He is not just a political prisoner but also a Member of Parliament from North Kashmir, so his safety must be protected,” Abrar added.
Alleging harassment and extortion inside the prison, he said, “In the jail, Kashmiri inmates are being kept with transgenders and gangsters, and they all together harass Kashmiris and blackmail them, and they commit extortion; among them, a few transgenders are HIV positive... This matter should be investigated.”
Rashid was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2019 in connection with a 2017 terror funding case. He was chargesheeted in October 2019, and in March 2022, an NIA court framed charges against him and others under IPC Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 121 (waging war against the government), and 124A (sedition), along with provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) relating to terror acts and funding.
The case alleges that Rashid financed separatists and terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
