Guwahati: Amidst the escalating controversy surrounding Wajahat Khan’s police complaint against social media influencer Sharmishta Panoli, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday confirmed that a court in Assam has issued an arrest warrant in connection with the case. However, the Chief Minister expressed strong scepticism regarding the extent of cooperation from the West Bengal Police in executing the warrant.
Speaking to reporters, CM Sarma stated, “The court of Assam has issued a warrant. It all depends on cooperation from the West Bengal Police. Assam Police is camping in Bengal, I doubt whether or not they will cooperate with Assam Police.” This comes as Assam Police personnel are reportedly stationed in West Bengal, attempting to navigate the legal process, which has been hampered by apparent coordination issues between the two state police departments.
It is understood that after the Kolkata Police, Assam Police are also now seeking to arrest Wajahat Khan in connection with a separate case filed against him for allegedly spreading hate speech and hurting religious sentiments.
Sources close to the police revealed that Wajahat’s father, Saadat Khan, was asked to present himself for questioning before the investigating officer. However, the team found neither Wajahat nor his father at their residence. Wajahat Khan has reportedly been untraceable since Sunday afternoon, with his father confirming to media outlets that his whereabouts remain unknown. A senior Kolkata Police officer has also confirmed that Khan is “absconding” since the First Information Report (FIR) was registered against him.
The Assam Chief Minister’s remarks have underscored the critical need for improved inter-state law enforcement cooperation, particularly in cases involving court-issued warrants. As of now, there has been no official response from the West Bengal Police regarding the concerns raised by the Assam Chief Minister.
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