11-Hour Interrogation: Assam Police Quizzes Congress’s Pawan Khera Again

Tensions escalated in Assam’s political arena when Guwahati Crime Branch detained Congress stalwart Pawan Khera for a protracted 11-plus hour questioning on Wednesday. Triggered by an FIR from Rinki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, the session delved into allegations of slanderous claims.

Khera stepped out late into the evening, facing a barrage of media questions. He calmly announced his recall for Thursday at 9:30 AM. ‘Cooperation with law enforcement is my duty, and I honor the legal framework,’ he stated, underscoring his proactive stance in the probe.

The controversy ignited over Khera’s public remarks implying Rinki Sarma’s ownership of multiple international passports and foreign business interests. Registered under multiple BNS provisions, the FIR lists offenses like fabricating election falsehoods, cheating via forged documents, public record manipulation, and defamation.

In a prior ruling, India’s apex court granted Khera anticipatory bail, insisting on his investigative involvement sans custody. Outside the office, Khera affirmed his trust in the courts, pledging ongoing support.

This episode fuels narratives of targeted harassment against opposition voices, with Congress alleging weaponization of police against critics. As Khera gears up for round two, the case spotlights deeper rifts in Assam’s governance, potentially influencing public sentiment and future electoral strategies in the state.