Guwahati: In a significant development the crime branch of the Assam police on Tuesday summoned senior Congress leader Randeep Surjewala to appear before investigators in Guwahati on May 23 in connection with the passport controversy involving Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Informing that summon has been issued after some new facts have come to light in course of investigation , security sources said necessity of summoning Mr Surjewala came after the interrogation of Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera. He was interrogated for nearly eight hours by the crime branch in Guwahati, after which Mr Surjewala’s name reportedly emerged during the course of the inquiry, prompting investigators to issue fresh summons.
After appearing before investigators, Mr Khera said that he had cooperated fully with the probe and confirmed he had been asked to return on May 25. “I was asked all the questions that are usually asked during an investigation… I have been called next on May 25. I will come again because every responsible citizen must cooperate with an investigation,” said Mr Khera.
Asked whether he stood by his earlier allegations against Ms Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, Mr Khera declined to comment further, saying he would limit his remarks to the investigation process.
It is significant that the probe has attracted national attention, with Assam police indicating that more Congress leaders could be called in for questioning as the investigation progresses. The summoning of Mr Surjewala, a senior national figure in the party, is likely to escalate the political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP in the state.
The Congress has alleged that the investigation is politically motivated and aimed at silencing opposition voices, while the BJP has defended the police action, asserting that the issue pertains to accountability and maintaining dignity in public discourse.
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