Congress leader Pawan Khera has filed for anticipatory bail at the Telangana High Court in relation to an FIR lodged by the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The FIR pertains to allegations regarding the possession of multiple passports.
The complaint was filed at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those concerning false statements during elections, cheating, forgery, defamation, and intentional insult.
Khera has appealed to the court to grant him bail should he face arrest in connection with this matter. Assam police officials reportedly traveled to Hyderabad to locate Khera as part of their investigation. Khera has countered by alleging that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the wife of the Assam CM, possesses three passports.
Pawan Khera, serving as the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Department of the Congress party and a member of the Congress Working Committee, finds himself entangled in a legal battle. The FIR references various sections of the Indian Penal Code related to offenses such as false statements during elections, cheating, forgery of documents, intentional insult, and defamation.
Previously, Khera had sparked controversy in Assam by claiming that Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife holds three passports, questioning why this was not disclosed in the CM’s election affidavit. Responding to these allegations, Sarma urged Khera to verify facts before making accusations and suggested consulting the foreign minister beforehand.
Sarma, in an interview with news agency ANI, criticized Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s statements, indicating that the Assam Police would diligently pursue the matter. He asserted the police’s capability to locate individuals effectively, hinting at a comprehensive investigation that may extend to Rahul Gandhi. Sarma cautioned against attempts to intimidate the authorities.
Amidst the unfolding drama, the Congress party strongly condemned the police actions. Karnataka Minister Karti Chidambaram likened the Assam Police to a “private militia.” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh labeled the police actions as a witch-hunt targeting Pawan Khera, suggesting that the Chief Minister’s response showed signs of distress and urgency.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari questioned the legality of the police intervention, emphasizing the need for due process. Tiwari highlighted the importance of allowing the accused to present their side before any action is taken, advocating for a fair and transparent investigation process that involves consulting relevant parties.
The developments in this case continue to unfold, attracting significant attention and political scrutiny.