MEA debunks ‘fake’ passport claims against Sarma’s wife

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officials on Thursday said that passport documents cited by Congress leader Pawan Khera in allegations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, were found to be “fake and fabricated.”

According to official sources, all three passports displayed by Khera during a recent press conference were determined to be fraudulent. They also clarified that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma does not hold citizenship of any foreign country.

The controversy stems from allegations made by Khera on April 5, when he claimed that the Assam Chief Minister’s wife possessed multiple passports and owned undisclosed foreign properties. He further alleged that these details were not mentioned in Sarma’s election affidavit submitted ahead of the April 9 Assembly polls. The Sarma family has strongly denied the accusations, calling them baseless and fabricated.

Following the claims, a case was registered against Khera at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The charges include Section 175 (false statements in connection with an election) and Section 318 (cheating), among others.

The issue has placed the Congress party under scrutiny, with criticism intensifying over its claims. Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita also rejected the allegations, stating that the documents presented were not genuine.

Earlier, speaking to reporters in Jorhat, Margherita said the MEA had verified the matter through diplomatic channels. “The documents, including the passports shown during the press briefing, are false and fabricated,” she said, reiterating that the investigation found no evidence to support the Congress leader’s claims.

Meanwhile, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma has initiated legal action against Khera and others over the allegations, further escalating the political row.