Investigation – Congress Leader Pawan Khera Appears Before Assam Crime Branch
nvestigation – Political controversy and legal scrutiny in Assam continue to draw attention as Congress leader Pawan Khera appeared before the state Crime Branch for questioning in connection with complaints linked to allegations involving Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera on Wednesday reached the Assam Police Crime Branch office in Guwahati after being summoned in a case related to statements he made about Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The matter has sparked a legal and political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress.
Khera Says He Is Cooperating With Authorities
Before entering the Crime Branch office, Khera briefly addressed reporters and stated that he was complying fully with the legal process. He said he respected the judiciary and law enforcement agencies and had appeared before investigators as directed.
The Congress leader also mentioned that he would speak in greater detail after the questioning process was completed. His appearance came weeks after a series of legal developments surrounding the case.
Allegations Triggered Criminal Complaints
The controversy began after Khera publicly raised allegations concerning multiple passports and alleged foreign properties linked to Riniki Bhuyan Sharma. Following those remarks, criminal complaints were lodged against him and several others at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station.
The complaints invoke multiple provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Authorities have accused Khera of making allegedly false statements connected to elections, along with charges related to cheating, forgery, use of forged documents, defamation, and provoking public unrest through intentional insult.
The case quickly escalated into a politically sensitive issue, drawing national attention due to the involvement of senior political figures.
Legal Battle Reached Supreme Court
As the investigation intensified, Assam Police had earlier visited Khera’s residence in Delhi in an attempt to question him. Reports indicated that he was not present at the location during the visit.
Subsequently, Khera approached the Telangana High Court seeking transit anticipatory bail. The court granted him temporary protection from arrest for seven days, allowing him time to pursue further legal remedies.
However, Assam Police challenged that order before the Supreme Court. The apex court later stayed the transit bail granted by the Telangana High Court and directed Khera to seek relief from the Gauhati High Court instead.
The Gauhati High Court later rejected his anticipatory bail plea, prompting the Congress leader to once again move the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Granted Interim Relief
In a significant development, the Supreme Court eventually granted anticipatory bail to Khera. During the proceedings, the court reportedly observed that the dispute appeared to stem from political rivalry.
The order provided temporary relief to the Congress leader amid continuing investigations by Assam Police. The legal proceedings remain active, and further hearings are expected in the coming weeks.
Guwahati Court Earlier Rejected Police Plea
In another important development linked to the case, a local court in Guwahati had previously refused Assam Police’s request for a non-bailable warrant against Khera. The court’s decision was seen as a setback for investigators seeking stronger legal action against the Congress leader.
The ongoing dispute has added to the already tense political atmosphere between the BJP-led Assam government and opposition Congress leaders ahead of upcoming political engagements and campaigns.
Political analysts believe the case could continue to remain in public focus as both legal proceedings and political reactions unfold simultaneously.