Congress leader Pawan Khera had earlier triggered a significant political uproar in election-bound Assam after he alleged that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife possessed three passports. He also questioned why this information had not been disclosed in the Chief Minister’s election affidavit, raising concerns about transparency and legality.
In connection with this controversy, Khera has now approached the Telangana High Court seeking anticipatory bail. This move comes after an FIR was lodged against him based on a complaint filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the wife of the Assam Chief Minister. The FIR pertains to allegations made by Khera regarding the possession of multiple passports and includes a range of legal charges.
The case has been registered at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These provisions relate to offences such as making false statements in the context of elections, cheating, forgery, defamation, and intentional insult aimed at provoking a breach of peace. Anticipating possible arrest in connection with these charges, Khera has sought legal protection through anticipatory bail.
According to reports, officials from the Assam Police travelled to Hyderabad as part of their efforts to locate Khera for the ongoing investigation. Khera has consistently maintained his allegation that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma holds three separate passports, which has remained at the centre of the controversy.
Pawan Khera currently serves as the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Department of the Congress party and is also a member of the Congress Working Committee, placing him in a prominent position within the party’s leadership.
The FIR reportedly invokes multiple sections, including Sections 175, 35, 36, 318, 337, 338, 340, 352, and 356 of the Indian Penal Code. These sections encompass a variety of offences, such as providing false information during elections, engaging in fraudulent activities, forging important documents and public records, using forged documents, making statements intended to provoke unrest, and defamation.
The controversy traces back to Khera’s initial public statement, in which he questioned the alleged possession of three passports by the Chief Minister’s wife and the absence of such disclosure in official election documents. His remarks quickly escalated into a major political issue in Assam.
Responding to these allegations, Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised Khera for making claims without verifying the facts. He asserted that Khera should have cross-checked the information, even suggesting that he should have consulted the Union External Affairs Minister before making such serious accusations.
In an interaction with news agency ANI, Sarma also took aim at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, remarking that despite his seniority, Kharge’s statements appeared illogical. He further stated that the Assam Police would pursue the matter with full seriousness and determination.
Sarma emphasised the efficiency and capability of the Assam Police, stating that they are capable of tracing individuals even in the most remote locations, thereby underlining the thoroughness of the investigation. He also hinted that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi might have shared certain documents related to the case, suggesting that the scope of the investigation could potentially extend further. Additionally, Sarma warned against any attempts to intimidate or pressure law enforcement authorities.
He also referenced Assam’s historical legacy, noting that the state has a long record of resisting invasions, including multiple instances of resistance against Islamic invasions, as a way to underline the state’s resilience.
The Congress party, however, reacted strongly against the police action. Karnataka Minister Karti Chidambaram criticised the Assam Police, describing them as functioning like a “private militia,” implying misuse of state machinery.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh termed the entire episode a “witch-hunt” against Pawan Khera. He argued that the deployment of a large police force to pursue Khera for raising questions of public interest indicated that the Assam Chief Minister was under pressure and acting out of desperation.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari also raised concerns about the legality and fairness of the police action. He pointed out that Khera’s allegations were directed at a private individual and argued that due process required allowing the accused to present their side before initiating such measures.
Tiwari further stated that the Assam Police should have first formally registered the FIR, conducted a proper investigation, and engaged with Congress leaders to understand the basis of the allegations before proceeding with coercive steps.
