Assam Police Conducts Search at Congress Leader Pawan Khera's Residence in Allegations Case
In a significant development, Assam Police on Tuesday executed a search operation at the residence of Congress leader Pawan Khera in New Delhi. The action is connected to a case filed against Khera for allegations he made against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his family members.
Search Operation Details and Seizures
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Debojit Nath, Khera was not present at his home during the raid. However, police officials seized several electronic devices from the premises. DCP Nath further stated that some "incriminating material" was discovered at the residence, though specific details were not disclosed to the public.
The case has been officially registered at the Crime Branch Police Station in Guwahati, Assam. Authorities indicated that while Khera's current whereabouts are unknown, efforts are underway to trace and locate him.
Coordination with Delhi Police and Political Reactions
The Assam Police team formally notified Delhi Police upon their arrival in the capital, following which a local police unit assisted in the search proceedings, as reported by news agency PTI citing sources.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that Khera has "run away" to Hyderabad, after previously daring the Assam police to arrest him. "Pawan Khera had dared the Assam Police to arrest him, but he has now run away to Hyderabad," Sarma told PTI. He added, "I don’t know why they have gone, as he ran away yesterday itself. Till yesterday, Khera was saying 'arrest me,' and now when police reached his home, he ran away."
Congress Party's Strong Condemnation
Meanwhile, the Congress party intensified its criticism of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of misusing state machinery amid the ongoing passport controversy. Reacting to the police action, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh asserted that the move demonstrates the chief minister is "disturbed, desperate, and rattled."
In a social media post, Ramesh wrote, "The deployment of a full army of police officials to arrest my colleague Pawan Khera for asking basic questions in the public interest proves that the Assam CM is disturbed, desperate, and rattled. This is not due process but instead a witch hunt, a bully using state machinery to muzzle and silence the voice of the Opposition that is exposing his many black deeds."
Roots of the Controversy and Allegations
The controversy originated from a press conference where Pawan Khera alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the wife of the chief minister, held three passports and possessed undisclosed assets abroad. The Sarma family has vehemently denied these claims, labeling the documents as "AI-generated fabrications" and "doctored images."
CM Sarma also rejected allegations concerning properties in Dubai, asserting that documents cited by Congress were sourced without authorization from the platform Scribd. He reiterated accusations of "Pakistani links" involving Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Pawan Khera, questioning, "Why did you take help from a Pakistani social media group? My allegation is why Pakistan is helping Gaurav Gogoi."
Political Context and Upcoming Elections
This political confrontation has escalated sharply ahead of the Assam assembly elections scheduled for April 9, with campaigning set to conclude today evening. Vote counting is slated to occur on May 4, adding urgency and intensity to the ongoing exchanges between the ruling party and the opposition.
The raid and subsequent developments highlight the deepening political tensions in Assam, as both sides leverage allegations and legal actions in a highly charged electoral atmosphere.
