Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the investigation into alleged links between Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, his wife Elizabeth Coleburn, and Pakistan may be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) once the current probe concludes.
Addressing reporters, Sarma said the state’s Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is currently handling the matter, has limitations—particularly in accessing older communication records and cross-border linkages.
“The SIT cannot retrieve call records older than two years,” Sarma noted, acknowledging that a more thorough probe may require central agency intervention.
While praising the SIT’s ongoing efforts, Sarma stressed that key aspects of the investigation—especially those concerning citizenship and possible ties with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)—fall under the jurisdiction of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
He added that national agencies like the NIA are better equipped to investigate historical data, with the capacity to track records going back over a decade.
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However, Sarma clarified that no formal request has been made yet to involve the NIA. “We will make a final call only after the SIT submits its report,” he said.
The SIT has been directed to complete its investigation by September 10, and the findings are expected to be reviewed by the state cabinet by September 11 or 12.
A decision on whether to hand over the probe to the NIA, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), or place it under the Home Ministry will be taken by September 15, Sarma added.
