Politics – Assam Police Questions Pawan Khera Over Complaints Filed by CM’s Wife
Politics – Congress leader Pawan Khera appeared before the Assam Police Crime Branch on Wednesday for questioning in connection with cases filed against him by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The inquiry follows allegations made by Khera regarding multiple passports and overseas assets allegedly linked to Sharma.
Khera arrived at the Crime Branch office in Guwahati and briefly addressed reporters before entering for questioning. He stated that he was cooperating fully with the investigation and attending the summons in accordance with legal procedures.
Congress Leader Responds to Police Summons
Speaking outside the Crime Branch office, Khera said he respected the law and judicial system and therefore chose to appear before investigators as directed. He added that he would provide a detailed response to the media once the questioning process concluded.
The case stems from criminal complaints filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station. The complaints were lodged under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), covering a range of allegations connected to statements made by the Congress leader.
Allegations Mentioned in the Complaint
According to the complaint, Khera faces accusations including making allegedly false statements during an election-related matter, cheating, forgery, using forged documents as genuine, intentional insult aimed at disturbing public peace, and defamation.
The controversy began after Khera publicly raised questions regarding alleged foreign assets and passports connected to Sharma. The remarks triggered political debate and eventually led to legal action.
Earlier Legal Proceedings and Court Intervention
Before appearing before Assam Police, Khera had sought legal protection from arrest through the courts. Assam Police had earlier attempted to contact him at his Delhi residence, but officials reportedly did not find him there.
Following this, Khera approached the Telangana High Court, which granted him transit anticipatory bail for seven days. The temporary relief allowed him protection while seeking further legal remedies.
However, Assam Police challenged the Telangana High Court’s order in the Supreme Court. The apex court later stayed the transit anticipatory bail and directed Khera to seek relief from the Gauhati High Court instead.
Supreme Court Grants Anticipatory Bail
After the Gauhati High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea, Khera once again moved the Supreme Court seeking protection from arrest. The Supreme Court eventually granted anticipatory bail to the Congress leader.
During the hearing, the apex court reportedly observed that the dispute appeared to be linked to political rivalry. The court’s decision provided temporary relief while the investigation continued.
Guwahati Court Earlier Rejected Police Plea
In a related development, a local court in Guwahati had earlier declined Assam Police’s request for a non-bailable warrant against Khera. The rejection came amid ongoing legal arguments over the nature of the allegations and the investigation process.
The matter continues to attract attention due to the political significance of the individuals involved and the legal battle unfolding across multiple courts. Investigators are expected to continue examining the allegations and related evidence as part of the ongoing probe.