Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced that he will publicly release the findings of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged Pakistan-linked connections involving Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi on February 8, with the disclosure set to take place in Guwahati.
The Chief Minister made the announcement while addressing the media in Guwahati following a Cabinet meeting at Lok Sewa Bhawan, Dispur, stating that senior journalists from across the country have been invited to attend the press briefing.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said an exposé based on SIT findings into alleged links involving Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi and Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh will be released at a press conference in Guwahati on February 8. The Cabinet has authorised the CM to disclose key findings after a formal memorandum on February 7.
What the CM Said in Guwahati
Addressing reporters, Sarma said the Cabinet had informally discussed the SIT report, which examines a sensitive case involving:
- Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh
- British national Elizabeth Gogoi
- Indian national and Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi
“After going through the PowerPoint presentation, the Cabinet has directed the Home and Political Departments to place a formal Cabinet memorandum on February 7,” Sarma said, adding that he has been authorised, in his capacity as Home Minister, to reveal information that can be made public on February 8 at 10:30 am.
Cabinet Reaction
The Chief Minister said the findings left several Cabinet colleagues deeply disturbed.
“Some of them had their heads in their hands as to how Tarun Gogoi’s son could go to this extent. We are worried about the findings, including me,” Sarma told reporters in Guwahati.
He added that while certain personal details would be withheld, substantial evidence would be placed in the public domain.
Possible Central Agency Probe
Sarma further said a formal decision on transferring the probe to central agencies such as the NIA, IB, or RAW will be taken during the Cabinet meeting scheduled for February 7.
“We will release everything then, and the Centre will take it forward,” he said.
He also clarified that while the government could have disclosed the findings earlier, the decision was timed keeping in view the visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Assam on January 30.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
As Assam’s political and administrative nerve centre, Guwahati will be the focal point of the disclosure, with the press conference expected to draw:
- National media attention
- Political reactions from across party lines
- Heightened security and public scrutiny
Political observers say the February 8 briefing in Guwahati could have far-reaching implications for Assam’s political landscape ahead of upcoming electoral and parliamentary developments.
What Happens Next
- February 7: Cabinet memorandum to be formally placed
- February 8: CM to address the press in Guwahati and release SIT findings
- Post-disclosure: Possible handover of the probe to central agencies
Frequently Asked Questions
The findings will be released at a press conference in Guwahati on February 8.
The SIT probe examines alleged links involving Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi, Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh and others, as discussed by the Assam Cabinet.
