Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati
Guwahati, Feb 8: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday alleged that Elizabeth Gogoi, wife of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, had forwarded a confidential report to Pakistan-based Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, an individual whose activities are under scrutiny for being anti-India. The Chief Minister described the matter as a serious national security concern.
CM Sarma said the allegations stem from findings of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has examined documents and financial links connected to Elizabeth Gogoi’s professional engagements.
According to the Chief Minister, the SIT has identified a document dated August 5, 2014, which allegedly shows that a 50-page report marked “confidential” was transmitted by Elizabeth Gogoi to Sheikh in Pakistan. Sarma claimed that since the report was shared with a “country of concern”, it effectively amounted to a classified intelligence-related communication.
He further alleged that the contents of the report referred to Intelligence Bureau communications, proposed “low risk, low visibility” strategic operations within India, and suggested ways to bypass Central government oversight by working through sub-national channels.
On the basis of these findings, CM Sarma asserted that the alleged act could attract provisions under Section 2 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. He said the state government is treating the issue with utmost seriousness and will explore all legal options available once the SIT process is concluded.
Briefing reporters, the chief minister said Elizabeth Gogoi had been closely associated with LEAD Pakistan, a climate-change non-profit organisation founded by Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, during her stay in Islamabad. She was reportedly involved in international climate-related projects linked to both India and Pakistan, including work connected with the global Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN).
The SIT probe, Sarma said, also pointed to what it described as a “shadow” employment arrangement. According to the findings, a Pakistani NGO initially employed Elizabeth Gogoi in Islamabad and later shifted her work base to India.
He further alleged that a Pakistan-based firm hired her and subsequently transferred her to India, with her salary allegedly being paid by Sheikh. The SIT has reportedly found that these foreign payments were routed through Indian bank accounts, raising the possibility of violations under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
“In effect, the SIT states that a unit called ‘LEAD India’ was established in New Delhi as a channel to route foreign funds, potentially bypassing FCRA restrictions,” CM Sarma said.
The chief minister also accused Elizabeth Gogoi of allegedly sharing sensitive government information with her Pakistani associate. As per the SIT findings cited by the state government, she is said to have handed over an internal and confidential Assam government report—containing material considered classified—to Sheikh during her time in Pakistan. If substantiated, such an act could constitute a violation of the Official Secrets Act.
Citing the sensitive nature of the allegations, the Assam government has not made the complete SIT report public.
CM Sarma also questioned why Elizabeth Gogoi continued to participate in Indian electoral processes while allegedly functioning as a foreign national, and whether her alleged links with Pakistan should have been formally disclosed to authorities. He maintained that the issue transcends political debate and must be viewed strictly through the lens of national security.