Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has hinted that his government may seek the assistance of Interpol in probing the alleged involvement of Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh in India’s internal affairs.
Sheikh, an advisor to Pakistan’s Planning Commission, is accused of making social media comments on Assam and India’s internal matters and allegedly has connections with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s British wife, Elizabeth Colburn.
Addressing the media, Sarma confirmed that the investigation is still in its early stages and that he has already informed Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the developments. While a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently handling the probe, Sarma indicated that Interpol’s intervention might be necessary at a later stage.
The Assam Police had constituted the SIT on February 17 to examine Sheikh’s alleged activities under multiple sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The probe has already unearthed significant preliminary information, with the CM revealing that Sheikh visited India 18-20 times and maintained connections with individuals in Assam, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and other circles. Sarma further claimed that Sheikh was often accompanied by Pakistani officials, including the country’s attorney general, who allegedly stayed in smaller hotels to avoid public attention during their India visits.
The investigation also suggests possible ISI or Pakistani government influence in these interactions, with some Assamese individuals reportedly being involved. Sarma emphasized that while the focus is not on any single person, the matter is being closely monitored. He stated that a clearer picture would emerge in the next two to three months as the probe progresses.
The controversy has triggered a political storm, with the BJP accusing Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi of links to Pakistani interests through his wife. However, the Assam cabinet, on February 16, decided against filing any case against Gogoi or Colburn, instead directing the DGP to file an FIR against Sheikh. Additionally, the state government intends to write to the Centre to investigate Colburn’s involvement in Lok Sabha election campaigns in Kaliabor, where Gogoi had won twice, despite her being a British citizen.
Gogoi has dismissed the allegations, calling them a deliberate attempt by the BJP to malign him and his family. He has also vowed to take appropriate legal action against the accusations. As the SIT continues its investigation, the case is expected to remain a significant political flashpoint in Assam in the coming months.
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