The Assam Cabinet on Saturday decided to refer the case related to Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s alleged links with Pakistan to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), citing national security implications. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision following a Cabinet meeting, stating that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the state government had submitted its report.
Addressing a press briefing, Sarma said the SIT was formed to probe what he described as an “anti-India conspiracy” involving Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, a British citizen, and a sitting Member of Parliament. Based on the findings, the Cabinet concluded that the matter went beyond the jurisdiction of the state police and should be examined by central agencies.
Sarma alleged that Gogoi had visited Pakistan during the tenure of his father, former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, and had met the then Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit in New Delhi along with a delegation. He further claimed that Gogoi had not informed the central government about his Pakistan visit and had remained inactive on social media during his stay.
The Chief Minister also made allegations regarding Gogoi’s wife, Elizabeth Colebourn, stating that she had worked in Pakistan between 2011 and 2012 and maintained professional links with Ali Tauqeer Sheikh through Pakistan-based organisations such as LEAD Pakistan and the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN). According to Sarma, the SIT found that certain sensitive information could only be accessed by central agencies, prompting the referral to the MHA.
Sarma clarified that the Assam Police had not questioned Gogoi so far, citing respect for his position as an MP, and said any further action should be taken by the Centre. He added that some non-confidential findings of the SIT would be made public at a press conference.
Gaurav Gogoi has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “baseless and absurd,” and accused the Chief Minister of engaging in political vendetta. The Congress MP has not yet commented on the Cabinet’s decision to refer the case to the Centre.
The development has intensified political tensions in Assam ahead of the Assembly elections, turning the issue into a major flashpoint between the ruling BJP and the Congress.