Guwahati, Feb 8 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has raised significant concerns regarding Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi, the British-born spouse of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi. These concerns relate to her employment during the Pakistan era and suspected foreign fund transfers that could contravene India’s Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).

CM Sarma stated to the media, “Elizabeth Gogoi was a key member of LEAD Pakistan, a non-profit focused on climate change, established by Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, during her time in Islamabad. She is said to have worked on international climate initiatives that involved both India and Pakistan, including a shared role in the global Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN).

The SIT investigation unveiled that Elizabeth maintained a ‘shadow’ employment arrangement: a Pakistani NGO initially employed her in Islamabad and subsequently transferred her duties to India.

CM Sarma indicated that a Pakistan-based entity hired Elizabeth Gogoi and later “transferred her to India,” with her remuneration reportedly provided by Sheikh.

“According to the SIT's findings, these foreign payments were funneled through Indian bank accounts, potentially breaching the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The SIT suggests that a unit known as ‘LEAD India’ was formed in New Delhi to act as a channel for foreign funds, circumventing FCRA restrictions,” CM Sarma elaborated.

The Chief Minister further accused Elizabeth Gogoi of passing sensitive governmental information to her Pakistani counterpart.

The SIT findings allegedly disclosed that she transferred an internal confidential report from the Assam government (considered classified) to Sheikh during her tenure in Pakistan. If accurate, this act could violate India’s Official Secrets Act.

The Assam government has emphasized the confidential nature of this accusation and has withheld the complete SIT report.

While addressing the press, CM Sarma questioned why Elizabeth Gogoi continued to act as a foreign national while engaging in Indian elections and whether she should have declared her ties to Pakistan to the authorities.

The Chief Minister stressed that these revelations are a matter of national security rather than political intrigue.

He also mentioned that the Assam Cabinet has sent the SIT report concerning the Congress MP and his wife to the Union Home Ministry, urging that central agencies lead the further investigation.