Srinagar: Baramulla MP and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) leader Engineer Rashid was allegedly attacked inside Tihar Jail by transgender inmates, leaving him with minor injuries. His party has described the incident as a deliberate attempt to harm him and has raised alarm over what it calls a pattern of harassment of Kashmiri detainees.
According to AIP, the attack took place when Rashid was pushed and a gate was thrown at him. The party said the assault could have been fatal if the gate had struck directly. Jail sources confirmed that an altercation occurred between Rashid and three transgender inmates housed in his barrack, leading to the attack about a week ago. Prison authorities confirmed the injuries but denied any larger conspiracy, calling the murder attempt claims baseless.
AIP, however, insists that the assault was part of a “systematic campaign” to target Kashmiri inmates over the last three months. The party alleged that transgender inmates, including those with HIV and links to gangsters, had been intentionally placed with Kashmiris and encouraged to provoke them.
Rashid reportedly told his lawyer that Kashmiri prisoners often face humiliation and intimidation, particularly during prayers, with repeated attempts made to disturb them. AIP has demanded an independent investigation into the attack and called for immediate steps to ensure the safety and dignity of all Kashmiri detainees.
