Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asserted on Thursday that the state will witness a huge political storm by September this year, in the wake of revelations in an ongoing probe into suspected connections between Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and a Pakistani national, Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.
Speaking to the media, Sarma informed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has revealed several links of Indian people with Ali Tauqeer Sheikh. "The SIT has discovered several inputs about connections of several Indian people with Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh. Further information will become clear in the next few days," he said.
He further said that the SIT has been asked to finish its investigation by September, hinting at substantial political developments.
"By September, a lot more things will be known. I assure you that the state will see a political storm," Sarma said.
Allegations Against Gaurav Gogoi and His Wife
Ali Tauqeer Sheikh has been named in an FIR by Assam Police for allegedly attempting to disrupt communal harmony in the state. Reports suggest that Sheikh had links with Gaurav Gogoi’s wife, Elizabeth Gogoi, who allegedly traveled to Pakistan at Sheikh’s invitation.
During the course of the investigation, the SIT has also interrogated two employees of the British High Commission for their potential links with Sheikh. Moreover, an environmental scientist has also been interrogated in connection with the case.
The Chief Minister revealed that Sheikh had made many trips to India prior to 2018, residing in modest hotels to keep a low profile. "The SIT has collected evidence of Ali Sheikh's frequent visits to India and his social media footprints, showing keen interest in the politics of Assam. He traveled to India as a member of a Pakistani delegation, which also consisted of Pakistan's Attorney General," Sarma informed.
He also stated that Assam authorities are mulling approaching Interpol for help in the case and have already informed Union Home Minister Amit Shah of the developments.
SIT Constituted to Investigate the Allegations
An SIT comprising four members has been constituted to investigate the suspected Pakistani connections of Gaurav Gogoi and his wife. Sarma assured that the Assam Police would carry out a "professional and entirely objective investigation."
"The SIT would recruit Inspectors, Sub Inspectors, and required personnel with the approval of the Assam Police Headquarters and report to the Assam Director General of Police from time to time," Sarma elaborated.
Gogoi Denies Allegations, Calls for Fair Probe
Countering the Chief Minister's allegations, Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi stated that he is willing to face any probe. Sarma had also asked why Gogoi had met with Pakistan's High Commissioner and subsequently raised questions on national security and defense in Parliament.
Standing up for himself, Gogoi explained that his meeting with former Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit was entirely routine.
"Many BJP MPs have also asked similar questions that I raised in Parliament. But I am always open to any inquiry and it is the duty of the Assam government to carry out the probe," Gogoi maintained.
The more the investigation goes on, the more Assam's political scene is likely to see increased tensions, and more and more revelations would be seen in the days to come.
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