Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that his government is considering seeking assistance from international agencies like Interpol to investigate Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh’s alleged interference in India's internal affairs. Sheikh is reported to have connections with Elizabeth Colburn, the British wife of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi.
Addressing reporters in Guwahati, Sarma emphasized the sensitive nature of the investigation, revealing he had already briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah about recent developments.
"The matter is very sensitive. I have informed the Home Minister about the issue. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is actively investigating, but we might reach a stage where international cooperation from agencies such as Interpol could be necessary," Sarma said. He added that the investigation is currently at a preliminary phase, with the state government committed to taking it forward comprehensively in the coming days.
Special Investigation Team (SIT) to Probe Sheikh’s Activities
On February 17, the Assam Police established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations against Sheikh, who is accused of posting inflammatory comments on social media related to Assam and broader Indian internal matters.Sheikh, who serves as an advisor to the Pakistan Planning Commission, previously worked alongside Colburn. He faces charges under multiple sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Allegations of Frequent Visits and Secret Meetings
Chief Minister Sarma revealed that Sheikh visited India approximately 18-20 times, often accompanied by prominent individuals from Pakistan, including the Pakistani Attorney General. Sarma claimed these individuals deliberately avoided public attention by staying in lesser-known hotels."During his frequent visits, Sheikh actively engaged in social media activities commenting specifically on Assam and established contacts with local individuals," Sarma added.
He further mentioned uncovering connections involving an Assamese woman, whose husband is associated with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). "Our investigation is not targeting a single individual but is examining broader potential influences from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) or the Pakistani government," Sarma clarified.
The Chief Minister indicated that the SIT would require two to three months to deliver a comprehensive report on their findings.
Political Controversy Surrounding Gogoi and His Family
The ruling BJP in Assam, including Chief Minister Sarma himself, has repeatedly targeted Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, alleging connections between his wife Elizabeth Colburn and Pakistani intelligence agency ISI.Following political uproar, the state cabinet on February 16 decided against initiating legal action against Gogoi or his wife directly. However, it directed the Director-General of Police (DGP) to file an FIR against Sheikh.
The Assam government has also indicated that it will approach the Central government to investigate Colburn's involvement in election campaigns in the Kaliabor Lok Sabha constituency, a seat Gogoi has held twice, despite her being a British citizen.
In response, Gogoi accused the BJP of a politically motivated smear campaign aimed at defaming him and his family. He has vowed to pursue appropriate legal action.
