Assam CM seeks Centre's intervention to probe 'Pakistan links' of Cong MP Gaurav Gogoi's wife

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday urged the Central government to investigate allegations linking Elizabeth Gogoi, wife of Congress MP and Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, to Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.

Addressing reporters, CM Sarma described the allegations as "grave" and emphasized that the involvement of a sitting Member of Parliament elevated the matter beyond routine state-level scrutiny. "When a sitting MP, who is also the Deputy Leader of the Congress party in Parliament, is linked to Pakistan in any manner, the matter automatically assumes greater significance," he stated.

The Chief Minister revealed that an initial probe was conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Assam Police, which registered a formal case at the CID police station. Following the SIT's findings, the matter was reviewed by the Assam Cabinet, which concluded that the allegations' sensitivity and national security implications warranted a central agency investigation.

"After carefully examining the SIT report, the state Cabinet is of the opinion that the case should be handed over to a central agency for a more comprehensive probe," CM Sarma said. He added that the state government would formally approach the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) once it receives consent to transfer the case.

The Chief Minister stressed that the decision prioritizes national security and transparency. "We have decided to refer the matter to the MHA. Once we receive a positive response from the Ministry, the case will be officially handed over to the Central government," he clarified.

Sarma reiterated the government's commitment to a fair, unbiased investigation conducted strictly according to law, underscoring that issues involving cross-border connections and public representatives demand thorough examination.

(Inputs from IANS)