Congress Leader Faces Major Legal Blow in Assam Case
Senior Indian National Congress leader Pawan Khera suffered a major legal setback on Friday after the Gauhati High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea in connection with a criminal case lodged on the complaint of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.
Justice Parthivjyoti Saikia, who had reserved the order earlier this week after hearing arguments, dismissed Khera’s plea while observing that the allegations against him were serious and warranted further investigation.
The court noted that the case involved serious allegations related to forged documents, adding that custodial interrogation might be necessary to uncover the truth.
Court Flags ‘Serious Allegations’, Says Custodial Interrogation May Be Required
In its order, the High Court reportedly observed that the allegations involve the possession and use of forged documents, and that there were concerns Khera could attempt to evade the investigation.
The court held that given the nature of the accusations, custodial interrogation may be essential to establish the facts.
Supreme Court Had Earlier Refused Relief
The Gauhati High Court’s order comes just days after the Supreme Court of India declined to extend relief to Khera and directed him to approach the competent court in Assam.
The apex court had also clarified that neither it nor the Telangana High Court would interfere with the Assam court’s decision regarding anticipatory bail.
“When an application seeking anticipatory bail is filed before the competent court, such court shall not be influenced by the order granting transit bail or staying transit bail by this court,” the Supreme Court had said.
This direction paved the way for the Gauhati High Court to independently assess the merits of Khera’s plea.
BJP Attacks Congress After Court Setback
The ruling has given the Bharatiya Janata Party fresh ammunition to attack the Congress over what it describes as a politically motivated smear campaign.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that the documents cited by Khera in his allegations against the Assam Chief Minister’s family were fabricated.
“Those documents turned out to be forged, fake, photoshopped, AI-generated and in half an hour, the entire truth came out,” Poonawalla claimed.
The BJP says the court’s decision exposes what it calls the Congress leader’s “baseless allegations” against the Assam CM and his wife.
What Triggered the Case Against Pawan Khera?
The case stems from allegations made by Khera that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma held multiple passports and operated businesses in several countries.
Following these accusations, Assam Police registered a case against Khera on April 6, based on a complaint filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.
The Congress leader has maintained that the FIR was politically motivated and had earlier sought relief from the Telangana High Court, citing his Hyderabad residence.
While the Telangana High Court initially granted him transit anticipatory bail on April 10, that relief was later stayed by the Supreme Court.
Political Heat Intensifies as Legal Troubles Mount
The Gauhati High Court’s decision marks another escalation in the legal and political battle surrounding Khera’s allegations.
With anticipatory bail now denied and the court hinting at the need for custodial interrogation, the Congress leader may face intensified scrutiny from Assam Police in the coming days.
The development has sharpened the political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP, with both parties using the case to target each other ahead of crucial electoral battles.
Why did the Gauhati High Court reject Pawan Khera’s bail plea?
The court said the case involves serious allegations of forged documents and that custodial interrogation may be necessary.
Who filed the complaint against Pawan Khera?
The complaint was filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
What allegations did Pawan Khera make?
Khera alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma had multiple passports and business operations in several countries.
Did the Supreme Court grant relief to Pawan Khera?
No, the Supreme Court asked him to approach the competent court in Assam for anticipatory bail.
