The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at 10 locations in Jammu on Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation into infiltration-related cases.
Meanwhile, the NIA has opposed the plea of Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh (Engineer Rashid) in the Delhi High Court, where he is seeking interim bail or custody parole to attend the ongoing Parliament session.
The agency has urged the High Court to dismiss the plea, arguing that his detention does not entitle him to special exemptions as a parliamentarian.
“Legislators have no statutory right to attend Parliament sessions while in judicial custody,” the NIA stated in its affidavit.
The affidavit was filed after a Delhi High Court division bench, led by Justice Prathiba M Singh, ordered the NIA to submit its response by March 12.
The NIA further argued that:
– MP Rashid is a highly influential politician, raising concerns about potential witness tampering, especially since many witnesses in the case are from Jammu and Kashmir.
– He is engaging in forum shopping, which amounts to misuse of legal proceedings.
– His attendance at Parliament should not be used as a means to circumvent judicial custody.
- March 12: The Delhi High Court issued a notice to the NIA on MP Rashid’s plea and sought a response.
- Previous Plea Rejection: The Special NIA Court had earlier denied Rashid’s request for custodial parole, citing security concerns.
Senior advocate N Hariharan, representing MP Rashid, argued that he was granted two days’ custody parole in February 2025 and should be allowed to attend Parliament sessions until April 4.
However, the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) for NIA, Akshai Malik, countered that the previous order was granted under different circumstances when no designated court was available.
The trial court has reserved its decision on Rashid’s regular bail plea for March 19. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court is expected to hear his petition soon.
MP Rashid remains in judicial custody as an accused in an NIA terror case, with legal proceedings ongoing.
