Guwahati : The controversy surrounding allegations against Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, intensified further on Monday after Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala was summoned by the Crime Branch for questioning in connection with the ongoing investigation.

According to sources, Surjewala has been asked to appear before the Crime Branch on May 23 as investigators probe allegations linked to the passport controversy involving the Chief Minister’s family.

The row erupted after Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera levelled a series of allegations against Sarma and his family. Khera claimed that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma allegedly possessed passports from three countries – the UAE, Egypt, and Antigua and Barbuda – raising questions over citizenship status, as Indian law does not permit dual citizenship.

Khera also alleged that the family owns a Wyoming-based company in the United States reportedly valued at nearly Rs 53,000 crore. In addition, he claimed that properties allegedly owned by Sharma in Dubai were not disclosed in election affidavits filed by the Chief Minister.

The Congress leader further questioned whether Union Home Minister Amit Shah would order a formal inquiry into the allegations and demanded accountability over the matter.

Sources indicated that Surjewala reportedly mentioned Khera during developments related to the investigation. Meanwhile, allegations have also surfaced claiming that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and Surjewala were involved in orchestrating the controversy.

However, investigating agencies have not officially confirmed these claims so far. The Crime Branch investigation into the matter remains underway.