MEA Confirms Allegations Against Assam CM's Wife Are False

The Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that the passports presented by Congress leader Pawan Khera regarding Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife are fraudulent. Following these allegations, Khera faces legal action under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. The Supreme Court has also ruled on Khera's bail situation, emphasizing that the Assam court will handle the case without interference. This article delves into the details of the allegations, the legal ramifications, and the Supreme Court's decisions, providing a comprehensive overview of the unfolding situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 23, 2026, 18:36 IST

Clarification from the Ministry of External Affairs

On Thursday, April 23, sources from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the passport documents cited by Congress leader Pawan Khera regarding the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, are fraudulent. According to these sources, all three passports presented by Khera have been deemed fake. They also clarified that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma does not hold citizenship of any other country. Khera had alleged during a press conference on April 5 that the Chief Minister's wife possessed multiple passports and foreign assets, which were not disclosed in the election affidavit submitted for the April 9 assembly elections. The Sarma family has dismissed these claims as false and fabricated.

Legal Actions Following the Allegations

In response to these allegations, a case was filed against Khera at the Guwahati Crime Branch police station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 175 related to false statements concerning elections, Section 35 regarding the right to self-defense, and Section 318 concerning fraud. Earlier, on April 17, Khera faced a setback when the Supreme Court denied his request to extend his transit bail, directing him to approach the Assam court for a resolution on the matter. This development occurred just two days after the Supreme Court stayed the anticipatory bail granted by the Telangana High Court.

Supreme Court's Ruling

The order was issued by a bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar. However, the court made it clear that its April 15 order would not adversely affect the jurisdiction of the court that will decide on Khera's petition. The court emphasized that neither the Supreme Court nor the Telangana High Court would interfere with the Assam court's proceedings regarding this case.

Khera's Legal Journey

Khera had filed a petition in the Telangana High Court, which granted him bail. Subsequently, the Assam government filed a petition in the Supreme Court, which stayed the High Court's order that had provided relief to Khera, who had shown his residential address in Hyderabad.