Guwahati: Assam’s political landscape has erupted into controversy following the state government’s decision to initiate an investigation against Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, allegedly linked to Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s wife, Elizabeth Gogoi. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has formally registered a case against Sheikh under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Assam Director General of Police (DGP) Harmeet Singh confirmed the development, stating that the case was lodged on February 16, following instructions from the state cabinet. “The case has been registered, and the investigation has begun,” Singh told reporters, emphasizing that Sheikh’s activities have raised national security concerns. He added that authorities would examine whether other individuals were involved and if the alleged conspiracy extended beyond Sheikh.
The decision to pursue legal action follows directives from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who chaired a state cabinet meeting and ordered the probe. According to the Assam government, a review of Sheikh’s public activities and social media interactions revealed a connection between him and Elizabeth Gogoi, a British national and the wife of Gaurav Gogoi. Reports suggest that Sheikh, known for his work in the climate sector, founded ‘Lead Pakistan,’ a nonprofit organization operating in the field of climate change. Elizabeth Gogoi, the government alleges, was an integral part of this organization during her time in Islamabad and worked alongside Sheikh in a global initiative, ‘The Climate and Development Knowledge Network,’ which has operations in both India and Pakistan.
The Assam cabinet has raised concerns about the involvement of a Pakistani-based entity in matters linked to India’s internal affairs, questioning the underlying motives of such collaborations. In light of these concerns, the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) has been instructed to initiate a thorough investigation into Sheikh’s activities and potential links to individuals within Assam.
Reacting to the unfolding developments, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, accusing the Chief Minister of indulging in fear-driven tactics ahead of the 2026 state elections. Addressing a press conference, Gogoi said, “It is clear that something is bothering the Chief Minister. He is scared, and that fear is reflected in his changing statements every day.” He further alleged that the ruling BJP is attempting to divert public attention from critical governance failures, including corruption, unemployment, and economic distress in Assam.
Gogoi reaffirmed that he and his party stood firm in the face of allegations and urged the government to provide *concrete evidence instead of spreading baseless conspiracy theories. “If they wish to investigate, they are free to do so. We have nothing to hide,” he stated.
With the investigation underway and political tensions rising, the controversy is likely to deepen in the run-up to the state elections, setting the stage for an intense battle between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress.
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