The Assam Crime Branch today summoned senior Congress leader Randeep Surjewala in connection with the controversy surrounding allegations made against Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The summons marks a significant escalation in the ongoing probe that has already drawn national political attention and triggered a war of words between the BJP and the Congress.
According to officials, Randeep Surjewala has been asked to appear before investigators on May 23 as the Crime Branch continues examining statements and claims linked to the passport controversy. The latest move comes only days after Congress leader Pawan Khera was questioned by investigators in Guwahati over the same matter.
Pawan Khera questioned, asked to appear again
After appearing before the Crime Branch Police Station in Guwahati, Congress leader Pawan Khera said he had fully cooperated with investigators and would return again on May 25 as directed by the agency.
Speaking to reporters after his questioning session, Khera said investigators asked routine questions connected to the inquiry and maintained that all citizens should cooperate with investigative agencies. While responding to questions from the media, he avoided discussing the substance of the allegations and restricted his remarks to the ongoing legal process.
#WATCH | Guwahati, Assam | Congress leader Pawan Khera says, “I was asked all the questions that are usually asked during an investigation… I have been called next on 25 May. I will come again because every responsible citizen must cooperate with an investigation…”
On being… https://t.co/bX92HEnvyV pic.twitter.com/XdMShDndLQ
— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2026
Controversy began after explosive allegations at press conference
The controversy erupted after Congress leader Pawan Khera, during a press conference in April, alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma possessed passports from India, the UAE and Egypt. He also claimed that she owned luxury properties in Dubai and had links to a company based in Wyoming in the United States.
The allegations triggered a major political storm in Assam, with the BJP strongly accusing the Congress of spreading fabricated material and attempting to target the Chief Minister’s family through misinformation.
Himanta Biswa Sarma rejects allegations, warns of strict action
The Sarma family categorically denied all allegations and described the circulated documents as “AI-generated fabrications” allegedly spread through Pakistani social media networks.
Reacting strongly to the controversy earlier, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Congress leaders of attempting to malign his family and warned of strict legal action against those involved. He also alleged that the controversy was being politically orchestrated at a higher level within the Congress leadership.
The Chief Minister had earlier claimed that Pawan Khera left Delhi after police action began and asserted that Assam Police would pursue the matter aggressively as part of the investigation.
Political battle deepens as probe expands
With the Assam Crime Branch now summoning another senior Congress leader, the case is rapidly turning into a high-stakes political and legal confrontation between the BJP-led Assam government and the Congress leadership.
The developments are expected to further intensify political tensions in the state, especially as both parties continue trading sharp accusations over the authenticity of the allegations and the manner in which the investigation is being carried out.