Party leaders accuse BJP-led government of misusing police action to silence opposition; investigation linked to defamation complaint
New Delhi, April 7: The Congress on Tuesday strongly criticised the Assam Police for conducting a search at the Delhi residence of its media department chairman Pawan Khera, calling the action politically motivated and an attempt to intimidate opposition voices.
The raid, carried out at Khera’s Nizamuddin East home with assistance from Delhi Police, is linked to a case registered in Guwahati following a complaint by Riniki Bhuiyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Congress प्रतिक्रिया: ‘Opposition को दबाने की कोशिश’
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said questioning those in power is a fundamental responsibility of the opposition. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, he called for a transparent investigation into the allegations but dismissed concerns over legal action, stating that such cases would not deter the party.
Kharge also criticised the broader use of central agencies, alleging that investigative bodies like the CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Income Tax Department have been used disproportionately against opposition leaders in recent years.
Senior Leaders Raise Concerns
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh described the police action as an effort to silence dissent rather than follow due process. In a post on social media platform X, he said the move reflected political pressure and alleged that the Assam Chief Minister was reacting defensively to questions raised in the public domain.
Party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate echoed similar concerns, accusing the state government of avoiding accountability. She said instead of responding to the allegations raised by Khera, authorities had chosen to initiate legal action. She also suggested that voters would respond politically in the coming days.
Background of the Case
The controversy stems from claims made by Pawan Khera during a recent press conference, where he alleged that Riniki Bhuiyan Sarma held multiple foreign passports and had business interests abroad that were not publicly disclosed.
Following these claims, Bhuiyan filed a complaint with the Assam Police, leading to the registration of an FIR at the Crime Branch in Guwahati.
Police Action and Investigation
Assam Police officials confirmed that the search was conducted as part of the ongoing investigation. Additional Police Commissioner Debajit Nath said the team seized electronic devices and other materials from Khera’s residence that could be relevant to the case.
Khera was not present at the time of the raid, and police said efforts are underway to locate him for questioning.
Context and Political Significance
The incident comes amid escalating political tensions between the Congress and the BJP, particularly in states where both parties are actively mobilising support. Allegations of misuse of law enforcement agencies have frequently been raised in such contexts, especially when cases involve senior political leaders.
Search and seizure operations are permitted under law following the registration of an FIR, but they often attract political scrutiny when conducted against opposition figures.
Public Impact
While the matter is currently political in nature, it also raises broader concerns about accountability, transparency, and the use of investigative agencies. For the public, the key issue remains whether the allegations will be examined fairly and whether due process is followed.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, both the Congress and the Assam government are expected to maintain their positions, with the matter likely to remain a flashpoint in the ongoing political discourse. Further developments will depend on the outcome of the probe and any legal proceedings that follow. (With inputs from H.S.)
Inputs & Images courtesy: Hindusthan Samachar (H.S.)
Edited by: Dikshita Bollu
Last Updated on: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 7:28 pm by Bollu Dikshitha | Published by: Bollu Dikshitha on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 7:28 pm | News Categories: India
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