Khera has also obtained interim bail from the Supreme Court in connection with the case, allowing him protection from arrest while the legal proceedings continue
KRC TIMES Assam Bureau
GUWAHATI | Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera appeared before the Assam Police Crime Branch in Guwahati on Wednesday in connection with a defamation case filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Khera arrived in Guwahati from New Delhi and proceeded to the Crime Branch office after responding to a summons issued by the investigating agency. His appearance comes after he had missed several earlier dates, citing health issues and prior party commitments.
Speaking to reporters before joining the investigation, Khera said he had complied with the latest summons and maintained that he had informed the Crime Branch about the reasons for his earlier absence.
“I had requested the Crime Branch as I was unwell and had party programmes. They accepted my request,” Khera said. The Crime Branch had most recently directed the Congress leader to appear on July 17 after he failed to attend previous scheduled hearings.
According to the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), Khera was engaged in the Congress party’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Bengaluru at the time, an event that was also attended by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
Despite missing the latest scheduled appearance, Khera has previously cooperated with the investigation and appeared before the Crime Branch on two occasions, during which he was questioned in connection with the case. The defamation complaint was filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma over remarks allegedly made by the Congress leader. The matter has since been under investigation by the Assam Police Crime Branch.
Khera has also obtained interim bail from the Supreme Court in connection with the case, allowing him protection from arrest while the legal proceedings continue. Security arrangements were put in place around the Crime Branch office as Khera arrived for questioning. Officials, however, did not disclose details of the ongoing investigation.
The case has drawn considerable political attention, with the ruling BJP and the Congress exchanging sharp remarks over the issue in recent months. Further developments are expected after the Crime Branch completes its latest round of questioning and reviews the statements recorded during the investigation.
