The Assam crime branch has issued a summons to Congress MP and senior party leader Randeep Singh Surjewala, requiring him to appear before investigators in Guwahati on Saturday, May 23, in connection with the passport controversy involving Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.
Ongoing Probe Intensifies
The summons is part of an ongoing investigation by the Assam police into allegations made by Congress leaders against Riniki Bhuyan Sarma. The controversy centers on claims of discrepancies in her passport records and citizenship status, which were publicly raised by Congress leaders. The development follows the questioning of Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera earlier this month, whose statements during nearly eight hours of interrogation by the crime branch in Guwahati led to the summons for Surjewala.
Background of the Case
The case originates from allegations made by Khera regarding Riniki Bhuyan Sarma. Subsequently, criminal complaints were lodged against him at the Guwahati Crime Branch under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Khera has since challenged an April 24 order of the Gauhati High Court that denied him anticipatory bail. After appearing before the Crime Branch earlier this month, Khera avoided commenting in detail on the investigation but asserted that the Congress would continue its political fight against the BJP-led government in Assam.
Political Implications
The probe has drawn national attention, with indications from Assam Police that more Congress leaders could be questioned as part of the investigation. Surjewala's summons is expected to further intensify the political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP in Assam. The Congress has described the investigation as politically motivated, while the BJP has defended the police action, stating that the matter concerns dignity and accountability in public discourse.
This case underscores the ongoing political tensions in Assam, where the Congress and BJP are locked in a bitter rivalry. As the investigation widens, it remains to be seen how the legal and political battles will unfold in the coming weeks.
