Guwahati, Feb 8: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday, February 8, described the allegations involving Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh and Elizabeth Gogoi, the wife of Congress MP and Deputy Leader of the Congress in Parliament Gaurav Gogoi, as extremely serious, asserting that the matter goes well beyond the scope of an ordinary investigation.
Addressing the issue, Sarma said the involvement of a sitting Member of Parliament significantly heightens the gravity of the allegations. He stated that any alleged link between a senior parliamentarian and Pakistan cannot be treated lightly and requires thorough scrutiny. “These are very important allegations. When a sitting MP and the Deputy Leader of the Congress party is involved with Pakistan, the matter becomes far more serious,” the Chief Minister said.
Sarma disclosed that the case was first examined by a Special Investigation Team of the Assam Police. Based on the findings of the SIT, a formal case was subsequently registered at the CID police station. He said the investigation revealed aspects that demanded a wider and more sensitive probe than what the state machinery alone could undertake.
After reviewing the SIT report, Sarma said the Assam Cabinet deliberated on the issue and reached the conclusion that a central agency should handle the investigation. “After examining the report, the state cabinet is of the opinion that the matter should be probed by a central agency. We have decided to refer the case to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further investigation,” he stated.
The Chief Minister added that once the Ministry of Home Affairs gives its approval, the case will be formally handed over to the Central Government. He stressed that the decision was taken in view of the seriousness of the allegations and the potential national implications involved.
