Guwahati, April 7: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on April 7 alleged that Congress leader Pawan Khera “ran away” to Hyderabad from New Delhi as Assam Police conducted searches at his residence in connection with the ongoing passport controversy.
Speaking from Sivasagar, Sarma said he learned of the development through media reports and asserted that the law would take its own course, emphasising that no individual is above the law.
The searches followed an FIR filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma after Congress leaders alleged that she holds multiple foreign passports. Police teams carried out operations at Khera’s residence in New Delhi as part of the investigation.
Earlier, addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Sarma warned of “stringent action” against Khera and rejected the allegations, claiming that documents linking his family to overseas properties had been misused. He also targeted Congress leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi, raising questions over alleged foreign links and accusing the party of spreading misinformation ahead of the elections.
Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge intensified the political attack, alleging that the Chief Minister was focused on his family’s interests and claiming corruption had increased under the current government. Addressing a rally in Guwahati, Kharge projected that the Congress-led alliance would secure 72–73 seats in the 126-member Assembly.
Responding through legal action, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma said she had filed the FIR to ensure accountability, asserting that the allegations against her are baseless and should not be taken lightly.
The escalating exchange comes as Assam prepares for Assembly elections on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.
