Assam Police reach Pawan Khera’s home after passport allegations against Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife

In a sharp political flashpoint ahead of the April 9 polls, a joint team of Assam Police and Delhi Police reached the residence of Congress leader Pawan Khera on Tuesday, a day after an FIR was filed against him by the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

A four-member Assam Police team arrived at Khera’s Nizamuddin home for questioning, with Delhi Police providing assistance. However, Khera was not present at the time, and the team waited at the residence. Sources claimed that some “incriminating material” was recovered during a search. Sarma later took a swipe at the Congress leader, alleging that he had “fled to Hyderabad.”

FIR after explosive allegations

The police action follows Khera’s press conference in which he alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma held three foreign passports—from the UAE, Egypt and Antigua and Barbuda—and owned property in Dubai, along with assets linked to firms in Wyoming.

“Under Indian law, dual citizenship is not permitted. Does she also hold an Indian passport?” Khera had asked, while also making political jibes involving Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

CM warns of legal action, alleges foreign link

Responding strongly, Sarma said his wife had filed an FIR and warned of serious legal consequences. He said allegations involving forged documents could attract charges under Sections 420 and 468, and if used to influence elections, could carry severe penalties.

He further alleged that the material used in Khera’s press conference had external origins. “Our research shows the content was supplied by a Pakistani social media group,” Sarma claimed, adding that multiple programmes in Pakistan had recently focused on Assam’s elections.

Riniki Bhuyan Sharma denies claims

Riniki Bhuyan Sharma rejected the allegations outright. “No. How can I have three passports?” she said, reiterating that India does not permit dual citizenship.

Dismissing claims about foreign assets, she said, “These are fake allegations, AI-generated.” On the Dubai property claim, she remarked, “They’ve mentioned a hotel room number. If I had property, I would buy a house.”

She also accused political opponents of targeting her family. “We are not in politics. For the past two years, there have been attempts to defame me and my family,” she said.

Gogoi escalates attack

Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi intensified the row, challenging Sarma to take an oath.

“I can swear on the Bhagavad Gita that I don’t own property in London. Can he do the same?” Gogoi asked, raising questions about alleged foreign assets and business links.

CM calls documents fake

Sarma dismissed the passport claims as fabricated, saying verification from Dubai authorities indicated the document was fake. He also pointed out inconsistencies, including incorrect details like listing “India” as a place of birth.

Rejecting claims of massive wealth, he added, “The entire Assam budget isn’t even Rs 52,000 crore. That should make it clear.”

Campaign heats up

With just days to go before voting, the controversy has intensified the political climate in Assam. Allegations over passports, foreign assets and personal attacks involving family members have taken centre stage, turning the issue into a key battleground in the ongoing campaign.