Confidential documents examined by the Assam Special Investigation Team (SIT) are understood to form the basis of an ongoing probe into an alleged nexus involving Assam Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, his spouse Elizabeth Colburn, and individuals linked to a Pakistani non-governmental organisation.
Family And Citizenship Details
According to documents reviewed by investigators, the Gogoi couple has two children. Records examined during the probe indicate that both children are not Indian citizens. One set of documents pertains to the surrender of an Indian passport belonging to Gogoi’s son, citing acquisition of a passport from another country as the reason for surrender.
Employment With Lead Pakistan
Investigative records include an offer letter issued to Elizabeth Colburn by the Pakistani NGO “Lead Pakistan.” The letter, dated 18 March 2011, offered her a salary of Pakistani Rupees 2.5 lakh per month.
A separate document shows that Colburn was later issued an offer by “Lead India” on 27 April 2011, with the contract scheduled to commence from 1 June 2012. The remuneration cited in the contract was ₹2.5 lakh per month.
Investigators flagged the timing of the contract, noting that it was issued more than a year in advance of the start date.
Travel Records To Pakistan
Travel documents reviewed by the SIT indicate that during and after her tenure, Elizabeth Colburn undertook multiple trips to and from Pakistan. The records include dates and ports of entry.
Investigators noted that several crossings were made via the Attari–Wagah land border, with travel mode recorded as “on foot.”
Visits By Ali Tauqeer Sheikh To India
The probe also examined travel details of Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, identified in the documents as a senior functionary associated with Lead Pakistan. Records include his travel itineraries within India and details of hotel stays.
One travel mapping document reviewed by investigators records an instance where Sheikh and Elizabeth Colburn departed India on overlapping travel schedules.
Gaurav Gogoi’s Pakistan Visit
Documents examined by the SIT also reference a visit by Gaurav Gogoi to Pakistan in 2013. Records state that he was granted what is described as an extended visa during this visit. At the time of travel, he was not serving as a Member of Parliament.
Parliamentary Questions Flagged
The SIT is also understood to have reviewed parliamentary records from the period after Gogoi was elected MP from Kaliabor (later Jorhat). Investigators noted that he had raised questions in the Lok Sabha on subjects including nuclear matters, uranium, defence, arms deals, water resources, and Kashmir.
Witness Testimonies
The SIT recorded testimonies from individuals linked to Lead India, including:
- Bhawana Luthra, identified as head of Lead India
- Nagarajan Mahadevan, identified as a staff witness
According to recorded statements, Luthra told investigators that Elizabeth Colburn received what he described as unusually high remuneration. He further stated that although she worked with Lead India, she reported to Ali Tauqeer Sheikh in Pakistan.
Luthra’s testimony also stated that Colburn’s travel to Pakistan and the purpose of those visits were not disclosed to him. He additionally alleged that Sheikh had expressed anti-India views and made derogatory remarks about India during interactions with Lead India employees.
Mahadevan, in his statement, corroborated aspects of Luthra’s account, telling investigators that projects handled by Colburn were funded by Pakistan and that Sheikh had made remarks belittling Indian culture during professional interactions.
Investigation Status
The SIT is continuing to examine the documented links, travel records, employment arrangements, funding trails, and associated testimonies as part of its ongoing investigation.
(This article is based on an X Thread By The Hawk Eye)
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