In a politically charged development that has stirred national debate, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Assam government to probe allegations against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has submitted its report to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The inquiry, which revolved around purported links between Gogoi’s family and Pakistani entities, has unearthed what Sarma described as “startling facts” pointing to a “larger conspiracy” aimed at undermining India’s sovereignty.
The SIT, led by Special DGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta and comprising Rosie Kalita, Pranabjyoti Goswami, and Maitrayee Deka, handed over the report at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati. The findings, though not yet made public, are expected to fuel further political sparring between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress, especially as Assam gears up for the 2026 assembly elections.
Origins of the Controversy
The controversy began in February 2025 when Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma raised questions about the citizenship status and alleged foreign affiliations of Gogoi’s wife, Elizabeth Colburn, a British national. Sarma claimed that Colburn had retained her UK citizenship for over a decade and had professional ties to organizations linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Further intensifying the allegations, Sarma pointed to Gogoi’s 2015 meeting with the then Pakistani High Commissioner, which reportedly occurred despite India’s diplomatic objections. The Chief Minister alleged that the Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan, had facilitated Gogoi’s visit, raising concerns about national security.
SIT Findings and Government Response
While the full contents of the SIT report remain confidential, Sarma stated that the investigation revealed “nefarious activities” involving Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh and his associates. According to the Chief Minister, the SIT established the involvement of a British national—widely interpreted as Gogoi’s wife—in these activities, though no formal charges have been announced.
| Key Allegation | SIT Observation (as per CM) |
|---|---|
| Links to Pakistani entities | Involvement of Ali Tauqeer Sheikh confirmed |
| Foreign citizenship of Gogoi’s wife | Retained UK citizenship for 12 years |
| Facilitation by Pakistan’s government | Visit allegedly arranged by Pakistan’s Interior Ministry |
| Undermining national sovereignty | Described as part of a “larger conspiracy” |
Sarma emphasized that the Assam Cabinet will review the report in detail before making any public disclosures. He added that if the findings are deemed serious, the matter may be escalated to the Union Home Ministry and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for further action.
Gaurav Gogoi’s Rebuttal
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has vehemently denied all allegations, accusing Sarma of orchestrating a smear campaign to distract from governance failures in Assam. Gogoi asserted that his wife has no commercial or personal ties with Pakistan and labeled the accusations as “fabricated lies” designed to malign his reputation.
“The people of Assam are wise enough to see through this propaganda. The Chief Minister is using state machinery to target political opponents instead of addressing real issues like unemployment, education, and healthcare,” Gogoi said in a press briefing.
He further accused Sarma of crossing the boundaries of political decency and vowed to continue focusing on his legislative responsibilities.
Political Fallout and Reactions
The SIT report has sparked intense reactions across the political spectrum. The Congress party has rallied behind Gogoi, calling the investigation politically motivated and demanding an end to “character assassination” tactics. Meanwhile, BJP leaders have defended the probe, citing national security concerns and the need for transparency.
Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi, a prominent opposition figure, remarked that the SIT findings could either vindicate the Chief Minister or force him to resign, depending on the evidence presented. “We’ve been waiting for September 10, the day Himanta promised to reveal something monumental. Now the truth must come out,” he said.
| Political Party | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| BJP | Defends SIT probe, cites national security |
| Congress | Denounces allegations, calls it political vendetta |
| Raijor Dal | Demands transparency, warns of political consequences |
| Civil Society | Calls for independent review and public disclosure |
Legal and Ethical Dimensions
Legal experts have weighed in on the controversy, cautioning against premature conclusions without public access to the SIT report. While the Assam government maintains that the inquiry was exhaustive and evidence-based, critics argue that the lack of transparency undermines the credibility of the findings.
Human rights organizations have called for an independent judicial review of the SIT’s conclusions, especially given the sensitive nature of the allegations involving foreign nationals and national security.
Historical Context and Precedents
This is not the first time political figures in India have faced allegations of foreign links. However, the scale and intensity of the current controversy—centered around a sitting MP and his spouse—make it unprecedented in Assam’s political history.
| Year | Political Figure Involved | Nature of Allegation | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Shashi Tharoor | IPL-related foreign dealings | Cleared after inquiry |
| 2019 | Rahul Gandhi | Citizenship status questioned | Dismissed by authorities |
| 2025 | Gaurav Gogoi | Alleged Pakistan links | SIT report submitted |
What Comes Next
With the SIT report now in the hands of the Assam Cabinet, the next steps will be crucial. If the findings are made public and found to be substantive, Gogoi could face legal scrutiny. Conversely, if the report fails to establish concrete links, the BJP may face backlash for politicizing intelligence and investigative mechanisms.
The Congress has demanded that the report be tabled in the state assembly and reviewed by an independent panel. Meanwhile, public opinion remains divided, with social media platforms flooded with hashtags like #GogoiControversy, #SITReport, and #PoliticalVendetta.
Conclusion
The submission of the SIT report on Gaurav Gogoi’s alleged Pakistan links marks a pivotal moment in Assam’s political narrative. Whether it leads to legal action, political realignment, or public disillusionment will depend on the transparency and integrity of the government’s next steps. As the state braces for the 2026 elections, this controversy is likely to remain a central talking point in the months ahead.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and statements from political leaders. All allegations mentioned are subject to legal review and investigation. Individuals named are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
