Himanta Sarma issues warning to Khera over passport row, alleges 'Pakistani link'; FIR filed

Guwahati: Ahead of Assembly elections, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday alleged that material used in recent press conferences by Congress leaders Pawan Khera and Gaurav Gogoi had links to a Pakistani social media group.

Assam CM also said that his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, has filed an FIR against Pawan Khera over allegations that she holds three passports of the UAE, Antigua-Barbuda and Egypt.

What did Himanta Sarma say?

While addressing a press conference in Assam's Guwahati, Himanta Sarma said, "Yesterday, Pawan Khera and Gaurav Gogoi did two press conferences, one in Delhi, one in Guwahati... During our research, we found that the entire material of the press conference, which took place yesterday, was supplied by a Pakistani social media group."

Assam CM in the press conference also highlighted Pakistan's interest in Assam's upcoming elections and in supporting Congress.

"In the last 10 days, Pakistan channels have done at least 11 talk shows regarding the election in Assam, which never happened earlier. And in every talk show, the conclusion is that Congress should win. Pakistan's link to yesterday's press conference has also now become very, very apparent," the Chief Minister said.

Sarma added, "I am sure that this will be taken into consideration by the law enforcement agency."

What did Assam CM warn Congress?

Himanta Sarma also warned Congress party  of legal consequences, alleging that the Opposition leaders used "fraudulent documents" to influence public opinion.

"Normally, when you raise a certain issue before the public with fraudulent documents, it attracts 420 and 468 of the IPC. Of course, there is a correspondence provision in new BNS. When you use these allegations with fabricated documents to influence a result or outcome of an election, then it attracts higher penalty provisions, and the punishment for that is life imprisonment," Sarma said.

"The Assam Police have initiated an inquiry, and confirmation from a Dubai government website shows the passport is fake. The Government of India has also reconfirmed this," he said.

Has Himanta Sarma's wife filed FIR?

On Sunday night, Himanta Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, has filed an FIR against Pawan Khera over allegations that she holds three passports of the UAE, Antigua-Barbuda and Egypt.

"Yesterday, my wife filed an FIR, and I am sure that the police will register the case in the appropriate section of law and take necessary action," he added.

What did Assam CM say about claims of fake companies?

Regarding claims of fake companies and documents, Himanta Sarma said that "Anyone can register a company by paying USD 199. After yesterday’s press conference, they even created another company in Riniki’s name."

“They claimed assets worth Rs 52,000 crore. The entire Assam budget isn’t that much. Even over 20 years, no chief minister could accumulate such wealth,” he said.

What is the reason of press conference?

The development comes after Congress leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi, held press conferences in New Delhi and Guwahati claiming that Assam CM's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, have three passports and controlled assets worth Rs 52,000 crore through a Wyoming-based company.