Assam CM Intensifies Criticism of Gaurav Gogoi Over Alleged Pakistan Ties
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Synopsis
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has intensified his accusations against Gaurav Gogoi and his wife regarding their alleged connections to Pakistan, including undisclosed visits. The ongoing investigation by a Special Investigation Team aims to uncover further details about these allegations.
Key Takeaways
- Assam CM Sarma accuses Gogoi couple of visiting Pakistan secretly.
- Claims raised over potential political upheaval by September.
- Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe links with Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.
- Evidence suggests multiple visits of Ali Sheikh to India.
- Investigation may involve international cooperation.
Guwahati, March 31 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma intensified his criticisms against Gaurav Gogoi and his spouse Elizabeth Gogoi regarding their purported connections to Pakistan, alleging that the couple made an undisclosed visit to the neighboring country. He stated to the press, “Whenever we travel to any nation, our passports receive stamps. We are required to declare our travels to specific nations. However, Gaurav Gogoi and his wife concealed the fact of their trip to Pakistan, going there incognito. This warrants a serious investigation. Even the Indian cricket team is prohibited from traveling to Pakistan.
Sarma further remarked that a visit with an official delegation would have been viewed differently. “I would be questioned if I discreetly traveled to any nation,” he noted. Previously, Sarma asserted that a political upheaval would occur in the state by September due to Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi’s alleged ties to Pakistan.
“The SIT has uncovered numerous leads concerning the connections of several Indian individuals with Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh. The SIT has also identified various associations of Ali Sheikh within India, with more disclosures anticipated in the coming days,” the Chief Minister stated. He added that the SIT has been instructed to conclude its investigation by September.
“By September, many additional details will emerge. I assure you that the state will experience a political storm,” he affirmed.
Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, the Pakistani national, has been mentioned in an FIR by the Assam Police for his alleged involvement in disrupting communal peace, and it is claimed that Ali Tauqeer Sheikh had connections with Elizabeth Gogoi, with allegations suggesting that the Congress MP’s spouse visited Pakistan on Ali Sheikh’s invitation.
The SIT team has interrogated two personnel from the British High Commission to gather information about their associations with Ali Sheikh. The inquiry is focused on Ali Sheikh for his suspected role in obtaining crucial information regarding national security.
The SIT has also questioned an environmental scientist as part of the investigation.
Sarma indicated that the SIT has shown progress in its preliminary inquiry. He said, “The SIT has discovered substantial evidence concerning Ali Sheikh, including his numerous visits to India and his controversial social media activity showing significant interest in Assam's politics. Sheikh visited India accompanied by a Pakistani delegation, which included that country’s Attorney General.”
He noted that Ali Sheikh frequently visited India until 2018, often lodging in small hotels to evade public scrutiny. “We are investigating the entire ecosystem surrounding Ali Sheikh. If necessary, we will seek assistance from Interpol. We have also updated the Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the developments,” he stated.
A four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established to investigate the alleged Pakistani connections of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and his wife Elizabeth Gogoi.
