Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday, February 8, publicly questioned whether Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi had gone to Pakistan for “training,” raising the issue during a press conference in Dispur, Guwahati. The remarks were made while the government released details from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) report concerning alleged links involving Gogoi, his wife Elizabeth Gogoi, and Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.
Sarma said the Assam Cabinet has decided to forward the SIT report to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for further examination by central agencies.
At a Guwahati press conference on February 8, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma questioned whether MP Gaurav Gogoi visited Pakistan for training, citing an SIT report on alleged links involving Gogoi and his wife. The Assam Cabinet has decided to send the report to the Union Home Ministry for further investigation.
Questions Raised at Dispur Briefing
Addressing the media, Sarma questioned the circumstances surrounding Gogoi’s alleged 10-day visit to Pakistan, asking why the MP was “digitally silent” during that period. “Why did Gaurav Gogoi go to Pakistan?” Sarma asked, adding that the state government viewed the matter as involving national security concerns.
The chief minister also questioned why an MP and the son of a former Assam chief minister would travel to what he described as an “enemy country” for an extended duration.
Claims on Visa and Travel
Sarma further alleged that Gogoi’s visa conditions were modified during the visit. He described it as “shocking” that Pakistan’s Interior Ministry later allowed travel beyond the initially permitted destination. “Why was the visa modified to allow visits to other places?” he asked.
He also referred to an earlier interview attributed to Gogoi, in which the MP reportedly said he travelled to Pakistan to meet his wife, who was allegedly there at the time. Sarma dismissed that explanation, calling it “totally false.” Gogoi has denied the allegations previously; no court has adjudicated the claims.
SIT Process and Interrogation
According to Sarma, the SIT did not interrogate Gogoi out of respect for his position, despite what the chief minister said were national interest considerations. He added that the state would now await directions from central agencies on whether Gogoi should be questioned.
“Let the central agencies decide whether to interrogate him, or if they direct us, then we will,” Sarma said.
Political Ripples in Guwahati
The remarks have intensified political debate in Guwahati, where the Cabinet decision, SIT disclosures, and press briefings have unfolded over the past two days. Party offices, civil society groups, and legal observers in the city are closely watching the next steps, given the Centre’s expected role.
Officials reiterated that forwarding the SIT report does not establish guilt and that any further action will depend on the central agencies’ assessment.
What Happens Next
The Assam government is expected to formally transmit the SIT report to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Central agencies will determine the scope and course of further inquiry. No timeline has been announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did CM Sarma say at the Guwahati press conference?
He questioned whether MP Gaurav Gogoi visited Pakistan for training and raised concerns over the circumstances of an alleged 10-day visit.
Has the SIT report been sent to the Centre?
The Assam Cabinet has decided to forward the report to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for further examination.
Are the allegations proven?
No. The allegations have not been adjudicated by any court and remain claims under investigation.
Where did the press conference take place?
The briefing was held in Dispur, Guwahati.
