Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera is expected to appear before the Assam Police Crime Branch in Guwahati on July 23 at around 11 am in connection with an ongoing defamation case filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
According to reports, Khera is likely to arrive in Guwahati on a flight from Delhi before presenting himself for questioning as part of the investigation.
The Crime Branch had earlier issued a third summons directing Khera to appear on July 17. He did not attend, with the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) stating that he was participating in the Congress campaign Chhatron Ki Goonj in Bengaluru, where Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was scheduled to take part.
His absence on July 17 marked the third time he did not appear before investigators despite being summoned. However, Khera had earlier appeared before the Crime Branch on two occasions and was questioned in connection with the same case.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court granted Khera interim bail in the matter, providing him protection while the investigation continues.
Officials said Khera’s expected appearance before the Crime Branch on Thursday is likely to mark an important stage in the ongoing investigation into the defamation complaint.
