GUWAHATI: The Assam Police will investigate the alleged involvement of a Pakistani national, Ali Tauqueer Sheikh, in anti-India activities and who allegedly also had connections with the wife of Congress Lok Sabha MP from Jorhat in Assam, Gaurav Gogoi.
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This was decided at a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday, February 16. Sarma had earlier announced the government’s intent in this regard after he brought up the matter in several tweets over the past few days only to be brushed aside by Gogoi as false and baseless.
The cabinet directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to investigate the matter.
Speaking to the media after the cabinet meeting, Sarma cited reports and Sheikh's social media activity that indicate he has made multiple remarks against India, particularly Assam. Given past incidents of interference by Pakistani state and non-state actors in Assam, the cabinet deemed a thorough probe was called for.
Sheikh is the founder of an organisation named LEAD Pakistan, where Elizabeth Gogoi, the wife of Gogoi and a British citizen, was previously a member. Assam Police will examine Sheikh’s activities in India and investigate any potential links between him and organisations or individuals allegedly engaged in anti-India activities.
Earlier in the day, the chief minister said it was possible that Gogoi had merely got trapped in a larger operation.
“It now appears that Gaurav Gogoi is merely an actor in this case, while the director is someone else. He may have been unknowingly trapped, so he will be viewed with sympathy. Who am I to accuse anyone? I am simply fulfilling my duty as the chief minister of a state. If necessary, I want the matter to be taken to court, as this is not a political issue, nor am I targeting Gogoi politically. If he approaches the court, it will be beneficial, as we will then be able to submit our evidence, allowing the judge to decide the matter.
Even the pictures I shared were acknowledged by Gogoi himself, as he admitted to visiting the Pakistan High Commission. This is not a controversy unless he claims the information is false. I am more concerned that Gaurav Gogoi might have been trapped, and therefore, I extend my sympathy toward him,”Sarma added.
The chief minister wondered why the Pakistani national further was tweeting about foreign immigrants in Assam while tagging a political leader from the state. “Upon further research, I found that this individual is a key figure in the ISI. This is not a political issue anymore,” he said.
