Pawan Khera appears before Assam Crime Branch

Congress leader Pawan Khera appeared before the Crime Branch office in Guwahati for questioning in connection with the passport controversy linked to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.

The case relates to allegations made by Khera regarding multiple passports and alleged overseas assets linked to Riniki Bhuyan Sarma. She had earlier denied the claims, calling them “false, fabricated and politically motivated.”

Following the controversy, Assam Police registered an FIR against Khera under charges including defamation, forgery and criminal conspiracy. The matter later reached multiple courts amid a prolonged legal battle.

On April 10, the Telangana High Court granted interim transit bail to Khera. Later, on April 17, the Supreme Court directed him to seek legal remedy before the competent court in Assam.

Subsequently, the Gauhati High Court rejected his plea for pre-arrest bail on April 24. However, the Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to the Congress leader on April 30, observing that the matter appeared to be politically motivated.

Despite the relief from arrest, Khera remains under investigation and was asked to appear before the Crime Branch for questioning.

Speaking outside the Crime Branch office, Congress legal advocate Reetam Singh said Khera had cooperated with the investigation process and arrived in Guwahati along with a team of lawyers.

“The interrogation is focused on the basis of the allegations and the documents or evidence Pawan Khera possesses. The Supreme Court has already granted him bail, so there is no possibility of arrest,” Singh said.

Senior Assam Congress leader Ripun Bora also visited the Crime Branch office and said Khera was complying with legal directions issued after the Supreme Court order.

Bora further accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of turning the issue into a “personal prestige matter” and alleged that several hate speech-related cases against the Assam Chief Minister were still pending before courts.

Assam Police continue to investigate the case while Khera’s legal protection from arrest remains in force.