Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today addressed a press conference in Guwahati, describing the occasion as “a day of sorrow” rather than a routine political briefing. The Chief Minister said the press meet was held to share details related to an ongoing investigation that, according to him, raises serious national security concerns involving Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and alleged foreign connections.
Speaking to the media, Sarma traced the issue back to earlier developments, including a reported visit by Gogoi to Pakistan and a delegation trip that allegedly took place in 2015. He said the controversy deepened after certain photographs and information surfaced online, prompting questions that eventually led to a formal investigation. The Chief Minister said that although he initially doubted the authenticity of some of the circulating material, confirmation of the foreign visit led the state government to begin examining the matter more closely.
Referring to a CID case registered in 2025 under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Sarma said the investigation has looked into what he described as “changing patterns” of hostile activities. He claimed that modern threats may not always involve weapons but can also involve the sharing of information, financial transactions, and indirect networks of influence. According to him, the case has highlighted the need to study such patterns carefully.
The Chief Minister placed particular emphasis on what he described as a “10-day stay in Pakistan” by Gaurav Gogoi in December 2013. He raised questions about the purpose of the visit, how travel permissions were obtained, and whether any meetings took place during the stay that require further clarification. He said investigators are examining whether the visit had any connection to later developments, including parliamentary questions and public activities.
During the press conference, Sarma also spoke about the alleged involvement of Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, whom he described as an individual with connections to policy institutions in Pakistan. The Chief Minister alleged that Sheikh had been active in discussions and writings related to India, including issues concerning Assam, climate policy debates, and citizenship-related protests. He claimed that certain online posts and public positions taken by Sheikh had raised suspicion among investigators, leading them to examine possible links between different individuals and organisations.
The Chief Minister also referred to the professional background of Elizabeth Colebourn, spouse of Gaurav Gogoi, stating that investigators are reviewing her past professional engagements and international associations. He alleged that financial transactions, employment arrangements, and foreign organisational links are being examined to determine whether any legal violations occurred. Sarma said that certain questions were raised during interrogation and document reviews, including issues related to foreign bank accounts, employment reporting structures, and institutional affiliations.
Another issue raised during the press briefing concerned the surrender of the Indian citizenship of Gogoi’s son in 2022. The Chief Minister said the matter is being examined by authorities to verify whether all legal procedures were followed correctly and whether any discrepancies exist in official documentation. He stated that such matters require careful verification by the appropriate central agencies.
Sarma further said that investigators are also studying a series of parliamentary questions asked by Gogoi in the Lok Sabha over the years, noting that some of these questions related to defence preparedness, security issues, and climate policy matters. According to the Chief Minister, officials are reviewing whether there is any connection between these parliamentary interventions and other aspects under investigation. He stressed that these reviews are part of a broader fact-finding exercise and that conclusions will depend on evidence collected by agencies.
The Chief Minister also referred to a youth forum event held in New Delhi in 2015, where representatives from the Pakistan High Commission were reportedly present. He said authorities are examining whether the required official clearances were taken and whether the event followed established diplomatic procedures.
