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NEW DELHI: The Assam crime branch has summoned Congress MP and senior party leader Randeep Singh Surjewala to appear before investigators in Guwahati on Saturday, May 23 in connection with the passport controversy involving Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.The summons is part of an ongoing probe by Assam police into allegations made by Congress leaders against Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, where Khera had publicly questioned alleged discrepancies linked to her passport records and citizenship status.The development comes as the investigation widens following the questioning of Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera earlier this month. The summons to Surjewala was issued after statements made by Khera during nearly eight hours of interrogation by the crime branch in Guwahati.The case relates to allegations made by Khera regarding Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, after which criminal complaints were lodged against him at the Guwahati Crime Branch under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Khera has since challenged an April 24 order of the Gauhati high court that denied him anticipatory bail.After appearing before the Crime Branch earlier this month, Khera avoided commenting in detail on the investigation but asserted that the Congress would continue its political fight against the BJP-led government in Assam. The probe has drawn national attention amid indications from Assam Police that more Congress leaders could be questioned as part of the investigation. Surjewala’s summons is expected to further intensify the political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP in Assam.The Congress has described the investigation as politically motivated, while the BJP has defended the police action, saying the matter concerns dignity and accountability in public discourse.
