Investigation – Centre Takes Over Probe Into Gogoi Allegations
Investigation – Political developments in Assam have intensified after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that the inquiry into alleged Pakistan-related links involving Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has been handed over to the Central government.
Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Sarma said that all documents and supporting materials gathered so far have been formally submitted to the Centre. He stated that the Central government would now examine the matter independently.
The move follows weeks of political exchanges in the state, during which Sarma repeatedly accused Gogoi and his wife of maintaining connections with individuals based in Pakistan. The Chief Minister had earlier indicated that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up to look into the issue would transfer its findings to a central agency for further action.
Allegations of a Broader Network
In recent public remarks and social media posts, Sarma described the transfer as an important development in what he termed a larger investigation into alleged foreign interference. He claimed that the matter involves a network that, according to him, sought to undermine India’s development initiatives through indirect means.
Sarma specifically referred to a Pakistani national, Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, alleging that efforts were made to place individuals within influential circles in India under the cover of research and activism. According to the Chief Minister, these activities were aimed at studying development projects and identifying vulnerabilities.
Claims Involving Gaurav Gogoi
The Chief Minister further alleged that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, son of former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, had either directly or indirectly been linked to this alleged network. Sarma claimed that certain parliamentary information was accessed and shared, and that there were instances of foreign travel which, he suggested, require scrutiny.
He also alleged that interactions with Pakistani officials took place under the framework of youth exchange initiatives. According to Sarma, financial arrangements and employment contracts connected to the case appeared irregular and warranted a deeper examination.
However, no formal findings have yet been made public by the central authorities, and the matter remains under investigation.
Political Reactions and Ongoing Debate
The controversy has sharpened political divisions in Assam, with the ruling party and the opposition exchanging accusations. While Sarma has maintained that the probe is based on evidence collected by the state authorities, opposition leaders have dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
The transfer of the case to the Centre is likely to widen its scope and bring additional agencies into the picture, depending on the outcome of the preliminary review. Legal experts note that once a central agency takes charge, the investigation may involve examination of financial records, travel documents, and digital communications, if required.
As of now, no official charge has been announced against Gogoi. The Central government has not issued a detailed statement on the timeline or structure of the investigation.
The development adds a significant chapter to Assam’s current political landscape, where questions surrounding national security, foreign relations, and domestic political rivalry are intersecting. The coming weeks are expected to determine how the probe progresses and whether any formal legal proceedings follow.