Has an FIR Been Filed Over a ‘Forged’ Letter in Sarbananda Sonowal’s Name?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Jan 19 (NationPress) An FIR has been filed on Monday regarding a contentious letter that was disseminated under the name of Union Minister and prominent BJP figure Sarbananda Sonowal, allegedly proposing a "course correction" as the Assam Assembly elections approach later this year.
A senior official disclosed that the complaint was submitted on Monday at the Parliament Street Police Station in response to directives from Sonowal. Following the filing of the case, the investigation has been entrusted to the Delhi Police’s Public Information Technology and Regulatory (PITR) unit for comprehensive examination.
The letter, which has circulated widely on social media, is purported to have been drafted on Sonowal’s official letterhead and directed to the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party. It allegedly discusses the current "ground situation" in Assam and recommends specific corrective measures ahead of the Assembly elections.
However, Sonowal has firmly dismissed any association with the letter, labeling it as "completely fake, fabricated, and misleading."
In a statement, the Union Minister emphasized that neither he nor his office had produced such a document, describing the incident as a serious crime involving forgery, impersonation, and the misuse of official government identity.
"This document has nothing to do with me or my office. It is a blatant attempt to deceive the public and damage the reputation of constitutional authorities," Sonowal stated. He has urged law enforcement agencies to prioritize the investigation and take stringent legal action against those responsible for the creation and distribution of the forged letter.
Furthermore, the Union Minister called on the media and the public to remain vigilant, recommending they refrain from sharing or depending on unverified information and confirm details solely through reliable and official sources.
Police officials have indicated that the FIR has been registered under appropriate sections of the Indian Penal Code related to forgery, impersonation, and the distribution of false information.
Efforts are currently underway to trace the origin of the document, track its digital circulation, and establish accountability.
This incident has gained importance as Assam nears the Assembly elections, amid rising concerns over the misuse of digital platforms to propagate misinformation during politically sensitive times.