Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma levels treason charges against MP Gaurav Gogoi
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made sensational allegations of treason against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, accusing him of sharing sensitive national information with Pakistan through his British-origin wife, Elizabeth Colburn.
The allegations, made during a press conference on Sunday, have triggered a major political storm, especially as Assam is gearing up for upcoming Assembly elections. Gogoi, a prominent Congress leader and son of former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, has earlier rejected similar accusations and termed them politically motivated.
Addressing the media, Chief Minister Sarma claimed that preliminary investigations have revealed links between Elizabeth Colburn and individuals associated with Pakistan’s intelligence network. “Gaurav Gogoi has indulged in activities that amount to spying.
Through his wife Elizabeth, confidential information related to India was allegedly passed on to Pakistan,” Sarma alleged. He stated that Elizabeth Colburn had earlier worked for a company based in Islamabad, Pakistan, where her superior was Taufiq Sheikh, a former adviser to Pakistan’s Planning Commission.
“It is well known that Taufiq Sheikh has close links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This raises serious questions about the nature of information shared,” the Chief Minister said.
Sarma further claimed that investigations conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) have found indications of Elizabeth Colburn’s connections with Pakistan-based organizations.
“Preliminary inquiry suggests that Elizabeth had contact with entities linked to ISI, and there are suspicions that she may have shared sensitive documents with Taufiq Sheikh,” he added.
The Assam CM also alleged financial transactions involving a Pakistan-based organization named ‘Lead Pakistan.’ According to him, the SIT has uncovered monetary exchanges between Elizabeth Colburn and the organization, which further strengthens suspicions of espionage-related activities.
“Evidence collected so far points towards serious national security implications. Considering the gravity of the case, the Assam government has decided to hand over the investigation to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA),” Sarma announced.
He added that once the central government gives its approval, the case will be formally transferred for further probe at the national level. “This matter concerns the security of the nation. Therefore, a thorough investigation by central agencies is necessary,” he said.
Gaurav Gogoi and the Congress party have strongly denied the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. Gogoi has earlier stated that such accusations are an attempt by the BJP to defame him ahead of elections.
The Congress leadership has accused the Assam Chief Minister of indulging in character assassination and using state machinery to target political opponents. However, Sarma maintained that the issue is beyond politics and directly linked to national security.
With the SIT investigation already underway and the case likely to be handed over to central agencies, the controversy is expected to intensify in the coming days, adding a new dimension to Assam’s heated political atmosphere.
The allegations have sparked nationwide debate, and all eyes are now on the central government’s next move regarding the sensitive matter.
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