Himanta Biswa Sarma, Gaurav Gogoi NEW DELHI: The Assam cabinet on Saturday decided to refer the case linked to Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s alleged Pakistan connections to the ministry of home affairs, with chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma saying the matter involves national security and cannot be probed further by state agencies.The decision came as Sarma alleged that a Pakistan-based firm had given a job to Gogoi’s British wife Elizabeth Colburn, later transferring her to India, with her salary allegedly paid by Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh. The chief minister said the Special Investigation Team has reached its limit and central agencies are required to take the probe forward.Case involves national security, says Assam CMBriefing reporters after chairing a cabinet meeting in Guwahati, Sarma said the cabinet had decided to hand over the matter to the Centre. Amit Shah Takes Dig At Gaurav Gogoi Over Alleged Links To Pak, Dismisses Cong Leader’s CM Ambition “The Assam government had constituted an SIT to inquire into the alleged anti-India conspiracy of Sheikh in connivance with a British citizen and an MP. Keeping in mind the seriousness of the matter, it was decided to hand it over to the MHA,” he said.“The SIT report and the case registered on the basis of which the probe was conducted will be forwarded to the MHA. It can use any of its investigating agencies to take it forward,” Sarma added.He said the cabinet was of the view that the case “involves national security and is not a personal one, with three players involved”.Limits of state-level probeSarma said the SIT had obtained sensitive material but could not proceed further without assistance from central agencies.“Sensitive information and materials have been obtained by the SIT from various sources,” he said, adding that “help from the Interpol is required. Sensitive information from the central government and Parliament is required”.“We have limitations in our probe. Yet, within these limits, what we have gathered is very important. When it reaches the NIA or IB or CBI, they will take it ahead,” Sarma said.“What we have done is just 10 per cent, 90 per cent is yet to be found out,” he added.Allegations linked to Pakistan visitWithout naming Gogoi, Sarma said, “I can at least confirm that an honourable MP from Assam visited Pakistan when his father was the chief minister.”Gogoi’s father, the late Tarun Gogoi, headed Congress governments in Assam from 2001 to 2016.The chief minister claimed that the MP’s visit to Pakistan was not shared with the central government and alleged that he had gone off social media during his stay.Sarma also said there was proof of one of the persons involved travelling to Pakistan between 2012 and 2016, but added that the Assam Police could not collect telephonic evidence.“The government of Assam has conducted a very good investigation. But, it is not enough as foreign nationals are involved,” he said.SIT report to be made publicThe SIT had submitted its report to Sarma, who also holds the Home portfolio, on September 10, the date initially set by the chief minister for producing evidence to back his allegations.After multiple delays, Sarma said that “information that is not confidential will be revealed at a press conference” on February 8, with the cabinet authorising him to do so.He also did not rule out the “angle of religious conversion”, but refused to share details.Probe not about politics, says SarmaEarlier, Sarma had said the investigation was being conducted purely for national security reasons.“This investigation is for the sake of national security. Its impact on politics is secondary,” he said, adding that a Pakistani national and a British citizen had “central roles” in the case.The SIT was formed to probe alleged interference by Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, who was claimed to have links with Gogoi’s British wife Elizabeth Colburn, in India’s internal affairs.Gogoi rejects chargesMeanwhile, Gogoi had earlier denied the allegations, calling Sarma’s remarks “ridiculous, baseless, insane and nonsense” and accusing the chief minister of behaving like an “IT cell troll” without facts.In response to claims involving his wife, Gogoi said, “If my wife is an ISI agent of Pakistan, then I am a R&AW agent of India.”He has alleged that the accusations are politically motivated and aimed at diverting attention from allegations against the chief minister.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘India’s Stand on Terrorism Is Clear’: PM Modi Speaks Firmly During Malaysia Visit”Strategic Ties And Trade Strengthened”: PM Modi Exchanges MoUs With Malaysian PM’Reasons For Reducing Russian Oil Imports Are…’ Foreign Expert Explains India-US Trade FrameworkIndia Reiterates Energy Security Priority, Signals Russia Oil Imports Will ContinueGhaziabad Sisters’ Deaths: Father’s Three Marriages Add Twist To Probe“Deal Favours US farmers” Opposition Attacks India-US Trade FrameworkFrom Tamil Pride To Global Trust: How PM Modi Used Culture To Reset India-Malaysia RelationsPM Modi In Kuala Lumpur Says India Malaysia Ties Are Rising, Unveils IMPACT Vision For Asia”To Benefit Farmers….” Shivraj Singh Chouhan Big Claim On India-US Trade DealPiyush Goyal Says Agriculture Is Self Reliant Sector As India Refuses Farm Import Benefits To US123PhotostoriesFrom Jennifer Aniston to Selena Gomez: 5 celebs who opened up about their toxic marriage and relationship with partnersChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares bizarre food combinations that you will secretly loveBrad Arnold passes away at 47: All about the ‘3 Doors Down’ vocalist7 Japanese techniques to let go of relationship anxietyInside Sivakarthikeyan and Aarthi Sivakarthikeyan’s parenting style: A thoughtful blend of love, balance and mindful choices2 India dishes among Top 100 Dumplings in the World15 lakh new cancer cases in India every year: Don’t ignore these 3 early warning signs, doctor says6 features that increase a home’s resale value over time6 electrical mistakes that can increase your power billHow to make fiber-rich Oats and Sooji Idli for breakfast123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionGCC Unified Visa 2026Income Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingIndia vs USA LiveCooper Kupp WifeKayla NicoleSuper Bowl LX TicketOliver RowlandJustin GaethjeLIV GolfLiam Paro vs Paddy Donovan Net WorthWinter Olympics 2026NBA Trade Update
NEW DELHI: The Assam cabinet on Saturday decided to refer the case linked to Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s alleged Pakistan connections to the ministry of home affairs, with chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma saying the matter involves national security and cannot be probed further by state agencies.The decision came as Sarma alleged that a Pakistan-based firm had given a job to Gogoi’s British wife Elizabeth Colburn, later transferring her to India, with her salary allegedly paid by Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh. The chief minister said the Special Investigation Team has reached its limit and central agencies are required to take the probe forward.
Case involves national security, says Assam CM
Briefing reporters after chairing a cabinet meeting in Guwahati, Sarma said the cabinet had decided to hand over the matter to the Centre.
“The Assam government had constituted an SIT to inquire into the alleged anti-India conspiracy of Sheikh in connivance with a British citizen and an MP. Keeping in mind the seriousness of the matter, it was decided to hand it over to the MHA,” he said.“The SIT report and the case registered on the basis of which the probe was conducted will be forwarded to the MHA. It can use any of its investigating agencies to take it forward,” Sarma added.He said the cabinet was of the view that the case “involves national security and is not a personal one, with three players involved”.
Limits of state-level probe
Sarma said the SIT had obtained sensitive material but could not proceed further without assistance from central agencies.“Sensitive information and materials have been obtained by the SIT from various sources,” he said, adding that “help from the Interpol is required. Sensitive information from the central government and Parliament is required”.“We have limitations in our probe. Yet, within these limits, what we have gathered is very important. When it reaches the NIA or IB or CBI, they will take it ahead,” Sarma said.“What we have done is just 10 per cent, 90 per cent is yet to be found out,” he added.
Allegations linked to Pakistan visit
Without naming Gogoi, Sarma said, “I can at least confirm that an honourable MP from Assam visited Pakistan when his father was the chief minister.”Gogoi’s father, the late Tarun Gogoi, headed Congress governments in Assam from 2001 to 2016.The chief minister claimed that the MP’s visit to Pakistan was not shared with the central government and alleged that he had gone off social media during his stay.Sarma also said there was proof of one of the persons involved travelling to Pakistan between 2012 and 2016, but added that the Assam Police could not collect telephonic evidence.“The government of Assam has conducted a very good investigation. But, it is not enough as foreign nationals are involved,” he said.
SIT report to be made public
The SIT had submitted its report to Sarma, who also holds the Home portfolio, on September 10, the date initially set by the chief minister for producing evidence to back his allegations.After multiple delays, Sarma said that “information that is not confidential will be revealed at a press conference” on February 8, with the cabinet authorising him to do so.He also did not rule out the “angle of religious conversion”, but refused to share details.
Probe not about politics, says Sarma
Earlier, Sarma had said the investigation was being conducted purely for national security reasons.“This investigation is for the sake of national security. Its impact on politics is secondary,” he said, adding that a Pakistani national and a British citizen had “central roles” in the case.The SIT was formed to probe alleged interference by Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, who was claimed to have links with Gogoi’s British wife Elizabeth Colburn, in India’s internal affairs.
Gogoi rejects charges
Meanwhile, Gogoi had earlier denied the allegations, calling Sarma’s remarks “ridiculous, baseless, insane and nonsense” and accusing the chief minister of behaving like an “IT cell troll” without facts.In response to claims involving his wife, Gogoi said, “If my wife is an ISI agent of Pakistan, then I am a R&AW agent of India.”He has alleged that the accusations are politically motivated and aimed at diverting attention from allegations against the chief minister.
