Could Gaurav Gogoi's Pakistan Links Spark NIA Investigation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Investigative Deadline: The SIT must complete its probe by September 10.
- NIA Involvement: The case may be handed over to the NIA for further investigation.
- Limited Scope: The SIT faces restrictions in accessing communication records.
- Political Implications: The case has broader implications for citizenship and national security.
- Central Oversight: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs may play a crucial role in the investigation.
Guwahati, July 31 (NationPress) - Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed on Thursday that the inquiry into the alleged Pakistan connections of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and his spouse Elizabeth Coleburn might soon be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submits their final report.
The Chief Minister discussed the ongoing probe into accusations regarding Gogoi and his wife's supposed ties to Pakistan, acknowledging the limitations faced by the state's Special Investigation Team (SIT) in its current investigation.
During a press briefing, CM Sarma emphasized that the Assam SIT operates under a restricted framework, particularly regarding the access to communication records.
“The SIT in Assam has a very limited scope. It cannot access telephonic records or connections beyond two years,” he stated.
Despite these challenges, the CM praised the SIT for its diligent efforts within its constraints.
He highlighted that the broader implications of the case -- including issues of citizenship and alleged associations with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) -- fall under the purview of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Central agencies like the NIA possess the capability to retrieve data dating back to 2010–2011. Sarma clarified that the state government has yet to formally request the NIA to take over the investigation.
“No such request has been made so far. We will take a final decision after the SIT submits its report,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister further mentioned: “The SIT has a strict deadline to complete the investigation by September 10, with no extensions allowed. The report will be presented to the state cabinet on September 11 or 12, after which a decision will be made—by September 15—on whether to hand the case over to the NIA, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), or refer it to the Ministry of Home Affairs.”