Congress leader Pawan Khera on Thursday appeared before the Crime Branch Police Station in Guwahati in connection with the ongoing controversy over allegations made against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.
Speaking briefly to reporters outside the police station, Khera said he was cooperating with the investigation. “The investigation is underway, and I am cooperating in it,” he said.
The case has turned into a high-voltage political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP after Khera alleged during an April press conference that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma possessed three passports from India, the UAE and Egypt, besides owning undisclosed luxury properties in Dubai and a company in Wyoming, United States.
The Sarma family has denied the allegations and described the documents circulated online as “AI-generated fabrications” allegedly spread by Pakistani social media groups.
What triggered the controversy
The remarks had triggered sharp reactions from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who accused the Congress leader of spreading falsehoods and warned of legal action.
Responding earlier to the allegations, Sarma had said, “Before levelling an allegation, he should have asked the Foreign Minister. Kharge ji has aged, yet he speaks like a madman. Assam Police can find and bring people from ‘pataal’ as well.”
The Chief Minister had also alleged that Khera fled to Hyderabad after searches were carried out. “I have come to know through the media that the police have gone to his residence in Delhi, but he has run away to Hyderabad. The law will take its own course,” Sarma had said.
He further claimed that Rahul Gandhi could also come under the scope of the investigation, alleging that the Congress leader may have provided the documents being cited in the controversy.
Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Khera
The Supreme Court had earlier granted anticipatory bail to Khera in the matter after the Gauhati High Court rejected his plea on April 24.
A bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar observed that the allegations and counter-allegations appeared, at first glance, to be politically motivated and said custodial interrogation was not necessary at this stage.
The apex court directed that Khera be granted anticipatory bail in the event of arrest, while asking him to cooperate fully with investigators and appear before authorities whenever required.
The court also barred him from influencing witnesses, tampering with evidence or leaving the country without prior permission.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court noted that statements made by both sides reflected the political nature of the dispute. However, it clarified that the observations were limited to the bail proceedings and would not influence the merits of the case.
The matter remains under investigation.