The Gauhati High Court on Friday rejected Congress leader Pawan Khera's anticipatory bail plea in a case filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The case stems from Khera's allegations that Sharma held multiple foreign passports and undisclosed overseas assets.
Court Proceedings
During the previous hearing, Khera's counsel, led by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued that Khera was not a flight risk and that his arrest was unnecessary. Singhvi called the case politically motivated, emphasizing that the allegations did not warrant custodial interrogation.
The Assam government, represented by Advocate General Devajit Lon Saikia, opposed the grant of bail, arguing that the case involved serious offenses including cheating and forgery, not merely defamation. Saikia contended that Khera's allegations were baseless and intended to malign the Chief Minister's family.
The court had earlier reserved its order after extensive arguments from both sides. The rejection of the bail plea means Khera may face arrest in connection with the case.
Background of the Case
The FIR was registered based on a complaint by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, who denied the allegations made by Khera. Khera had claimed that Sharma possessed multiple passports from different countries and held undisclosed assets abroad, which he alleged were linked to corruption.
This is a developing story. Further details are awaited as the legal process continues.
