Assam Police Conducts Raid at Congress Leader's Residence Amid Election Campaign
As the Assam assembly election campaign drew to a close on Tuesday, the state was gripped by a high-stakes political confrontation. Police forces descended upon the residence of Congress leader Pawan Khera in Delhi, acting on an FIR filed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma. The case centers on Khera's explosive allegations regarding the possession of multiple passports by the chief minister's family.
Search Operation Yields Incriminating Evidence
During the operation, Assam Police officials seized electronic devices and recovered what they described as "incriminating" material from Khera's home. However, authorities have declined to provide specific details about the nature of the evidence at this stage. The case has been formally registered at the crime branch police station in Guwahati, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing political feud.
Whereabouts of Congress Leader Remain Unknown
Assam Police DCP Debojit Nath confirmed that Pawan Khera's current location is unknown, fueling widespread speculation and intensifying political tensions just days before the elections. Efforts are actively underway to trace the Congress leader. Upon arriving at the residence, the Assam Police team formally notified Delhi Police, who subsequently joined the proceedings to assist in the search operation.
Chief Minister Issues Stern Warning
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma escalated the rhetoric dramatically, asserting that Khera had "run away" to Hyderabad. In a bold statement, Sarma warned that Assam Police would track him down even from the "pataal" (netherworld), emphasizing the seriousness with which authorities are pursuing the investigation. This strong language has added a layer of urgency and drama to the unfolding events.
Congress Responds to the Investigation
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge stated that the party is prepared to face the investigation head-on. "They have already filed an FIR against Khera. Let them probe the matter. We will face the case as it progresses," he said, indicating a defiant stance from the opposition party amidst the mounting pressure.
Origin of the Political Storm
The controversy erupted when Pawan Khera publicly questioned Sarma's family over alleged legal violations. Khera claimed that documents indicated Riniki Bhuyan Sharma holds multiple active passports, raising concerns about dual citizenship and compliance with Indian law. He challenged the chief minister on his stance toward dual citizenship rules and demanded clarity on the family's financial and property interests abroad, alleging concealed assets in Dubai and the United States.
Chief Minister Dismisses Allegations as Fabricated
In response, Himanta Biswa Sarma dismissed the charges as entirely fake, alleging that the original UAE passport was uploaded on social media by a "Pakistani man." He claimed that Congress had used AI Photoshop to alter the passport images and pointed out technical discrepancies in the documents. Sarma presented a detailed argument suggesting the claims are part of a politically motivated campaign by Congress ahead of the Assam assembly elections, which are scheduled for April 9.
The situation remains fluid as both sides dig in their heels, with the raid and missing leader adding a new dimension to an already heated electoral battle in Assam.
