Pawan Khera Appears Before Assam Police in Defamation Case
Pawan Khera's Appearance at Assam Police Crime Branch
Congress leader Pawan Khera arrives at the Assam Police Crime Branch office in Guwahati, on Thursday. (Photo:PTI)
Guwahati, July 23: Senior Congress figure and Rajya Sabha member Pawan Khera visited the Assam Police Crime Branch on Thursday as part of an ongoing defamation investigation initiated by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the spouse of Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Khera traveled to Guwahati from New Delhi and arrived at the Crime Branch headquarters following a summons from the authorities.
Before entering the Crime Branch office, Khera addressed the media, stating that he was adhering to the summons and was fully cooperating with the investigation.
"I have come to the Crime Branch in response to the notice I received. Previously, I had informed the agency about my health issues and prior commitments, which they accepted," he explained.
The Crime Branch had previously instructed Khera to appear on July 17, but he was unable to attend due to his commitments at the party's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event in Bengaluru, where Rahul Gandhi was also present.
Despite missing the July 17 date, Khera has participated in the investigation multiple times and has been questioned by Crime Branch officials.
He has also received interim protection from arrest from the Supreme Court regarding this matter.
The case stems from a complaint filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station, concerning statements made by Khera during a press conference and on social media.
Sharma's complaint alleges that Khera made defamatory claims about her citizenship, foreign passports, and overseas financial interests.
Following the complaint, Assam Police registered an FIR under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those related to cheating, forgery, and defamation.
The investigation has involved several legal proceedings.
Khera had previously sought transit anticipatory bail from the Telangana High Court, which was granted to allow him to seek regular relief in Assam.
However, the Supreme Court later intervened, staying the transit anticipatory bail and clarifying that any petitions filed in Assam would be handled independently.
The apex court subsequently granted Khera interim protection from arrest while instructing him to fully cooperate with the investigation.
The Crime Branch continues to investigate the allegations and will review the materials submitted by Khera during the inquiry.