Assam Cabinet to Take Formal Decision on Gogoi-Pakistan Links SIT Report on February 7
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that the state cabinet will take a formal decision regarding the future course of action on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report concerning alleged links between state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi and Pakistan. The crucial decision is scheduled for the cabinet's next sitting on February 7.
Shocking Revelations in Cabinet Presentation
Addressing a press conference following a cabinet meeting in Guwahati, Sarma disclosed that the SIT of Assam Police presented findings that allegedly demonstrate "direct links" between Gogoi, his British wife Elizabeth Colburn, and Pakistan. The chief minister claimed that ministers were "shocked to know the truth" during the presentation, with some expressing disbelief that former chief minister Tarun Gogoi's son could be involved in such matters.
February 7: Decision Day on Investigation Path
Sarma outlined that the cabinet will decide on February 7 whether to forward the sensitive report to central agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), or Intelligence Bureau (IB), or whether Assam Police should continue probing the matter independently. "On February 8, we will close the chapter," the chief minister asserted, indicating a definitive timeline for resolution.
Public Disclosure of Sensitive Findings
The cabinet has authorized the chief minister to conduct a press conference at 10:30 am on February 8 to reveal most of the SIT findings to the public. While some "secret and sensitive information" may be withheld, Sarma promised that "most of the facts will be presented before the public." He extended an invitation to national media outlets outside Assam to cover the press meet, offering facilitation for their participation.
Background of the Controversial Investigation
The SIT was formed to probe alleged interference by Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, who is claimed to have connections with Gogoi's wife Elizabeth Colburn, in India's internal affairs. Sarma emphasized that "Sheikh is a Pakistani national, so there is no doubt about him," while alleging that the investigation uncovered direct Pakistan links involving both Gogoi and his wife.
During the investigation, SIT sleuths examined Colburn and questioned 22-25 additional individuals. The chief minister also commented on the citizenship status within Gogoi's family, stating "In the family, there is one Indian and three foreigners" and criticizing Gogoi for not securing Indian citizenship for his children following the controversy.
Political Context and Previous Allegations
This development follows Sarma's previous claims that Gogoi is a "100 per cent Pakistani agent" and allegations that Colburn traveled 19 times between India and Pakistan. The chief minister had also asserted that Gogoi visited Pakistan on an invitation from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and underwent training there, while Colburn allegedly collected classified government documents for Pakistani interests.
Gogoi has consistently denied all allegations, describing Sarma's accusations as "ridiculous, baseless, insane and nonsense" and suggesting the chief minister's remarks reflect personal issues rather than factual evidence. The Congress leader has accused Sarma of behaving like an "IT cell troll" without substantiating claims with proper evidence.
The formal cabinet decision on February 7 will determine the next investigative steps in this politically charged case that has significant implications for Assam's political landscape and national security concerns.
