GUWAHATI — Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera appeared before the Assam Crime Branch on Wednesday morning in connection with a high-profile defamation and forgery case. The case was filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, an entrepreneur and the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, following controversial remarks made by Khera during a recent press conference.
Accompanied by his legal team, Khera arrived at the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) in Guwahati around 10:30 AM. His appearance follows a recent directive from the Supreme Court, which granted him anticipatory bail on the condition that he cooperate fully with the state’s investigation.
Key Details of the Appearance
Speaking to the media outside the Crime Branch office, Khera’s advocate, Reetam Singh, emphasized that the Congress leader is acting in strict compliance with the apex court’s orders.
- Compliance with SC Orders: Khera was granted pre-arrest bail by the Supreme Court earlier this month after the Gauhati High Court had previously denied him protection.
- Submission of Evidence: Advocate Singh claimed that Khera did not come empty-handed. He reportedly submitted documents and “evidence” to the investigating officers to back the claims he made during his press briefing.
- Lengthy Interrogation: Given the complexity of the allegations—which involve claims of undisclosed overseas assets and “passport irregularities”—legal experts suggest the questioning could span several sessions.
The legal battle stems from a press conference where Khera allegedly raised questions regarding properties and passports linked to Riniki Bhuyan Sharma in various foreign countries. The remarks sparked an immediate political firestorm, with the BJP accusing Khera of peddling “fabricated lies” and “forging documents” to malign the Chief Minister’s family.
“He has brought in the evidence based upon which he had made those statements,” Advocate Reetam Singh told reporters. “We are here to cooperate and provide the necessary clarifications required by the authorities.”
The development comes at a time of heightened political tension in Assam. While the Congress maintains that the case is an attempt to stifle dissent and “harass” senior leadership, the Assam government, represented by the Solicitor General in earlier court hearings, has argued that the “seriousness of the allegations” regarding forged documents warrants a deep investigation.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the recording of Khera’s statement was still underway. Further updates are expected as the Crime Branch evaluates the documents submitted by the Congress leader.
Leave a comment