Himanta Biswa Sarma makes SIT charges against Gaurav Gogoi, his wife public

Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday made public findings of a special investigation team, alleging that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and his British wife Elizabeth Colburn, who was working as Lead India consultant, had violated Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. The CM also alleged "deeper connection with Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh".

Sarma alleged in 2013 Gogoi undertook a "confidential" visit to Pakistan and "underwent some kind of training". "Hence, we have recommended a national probe by the Ministry of Home Affairs... We will also move the Centre and seek cancellation of Colburn as Overseas Citizen of India as her presence is detrimental to the national interest," Sarma said.

While working for Lead Pakistan, she shared a 45-page report with the organisation and discussed India's post-2014 political climate, alleges SIT findings. The report, alleges SIT, proposed a revised operational approach and recommended that "activities be routed through municipal bodies, state governments and sub-national institutions while bypassing the Union government".


Sarma claimed, "Gogoi publicly stated that he visited Pakistan because his wife was working there. SIT indicated that Colburn had returned to India in mid-2012." Sarma said that during the period Gaurav was maintaining digital silence. "Soon after his return, the first-time MP raised questions related to defence preparedness, military capabilities and strategic assets." Sarma said Colburn maintained a Pakistan bank account that was not disclosed in affidavits.

Assam is going to assembly elections early this year.