Pawan Khera Appears Before Assam Police Crime Branch Again In Defamation Case

Published 24 July 2026 · politics

Pawan Khera Appears Before Assam Police Crime Branch Again In Defamation Case Published By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 12:17 IST Khera also expressed concern

Pawan Khera Appears Before Assam Police Crime Branch Again In Defamation Case Published By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 12:17 IST Khera also expressed concern over the flood situation in Assam, describing conditions in several parts of Upper Assam as alarming. Rapid Read AICC spokesperson Pawan Khera. (PTI Photo) Senior Congress leader and AICC Media and Publicity Department Chairman Pawan Khera appeared before the Assam Police Crime Branch in Guwahati on Thursday for another round of questioning in a defamation case filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Khera arrived at the Crime Branch office in the morning and, before entering, told reporters that he had always cooperated with the investigation and would continue to do so whenever summoned. “I always try to appear whenever I am summoned. I could not come on the previous two occasions because I was unwell once and had Rajya Sabha-related responsibilities the other time.

I have not been told the reason for today’s summons, but I will cooperate with the investigation. However many times I am called, I will appear," he said. While speaking to the media, Khera also commented on the recurring examination paper leaks, saying the incidents had undermined the confidence of students and parents and required serious attention from both the government and the opposition. He further questioned the functioning of the Testing Agency (NTA), alleging that key stages of the examination process—including paper setting, printing, transportation and evaluation—had increasingly been outsourced. According to Khera, the system requires greater transparency and accountability. Khera also expressed concern over the flood situation in Assam, describing conditions in several parts of Upper Assam as alarming. Referring to reports of deaths and missing persons, he urged the Centre and the Assam government to ensure timely relief, rescue and rehabilitation for affected families. He added that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi had already visited the flood-affected areas on the directions of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

The case stems from remarks made by Khera during the 2026 Assam Assembly election campaign, when he alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma possessed multiple foreign passports and undisclosed foreign assets. The allegations were rejected by both the Chief Minister and his wife, who termed them false, baseless and politically motivated. Following those remarks, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma filed a defamation complaint with the Assam Police Crime Branch, which subsequently registered a case and began an investigation. The Supreme Court later granted Khera interim protection from arrest while directing him to cooperate with the probe. Thursday marked Khera’s third appearance before the Crime Branch in connection with the case. Investigators questioned him for several hours as part of the ongoing investigation. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What are the specific allegations against Pawan Khera? Pawan Khera is facing allegations of defamation, forgery, and criminal conspiracy filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.