An FIR has been registered following the circulation of a forged letter bearing the official letterhead and a fabricated signature of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in poll-bound Assam.
On Monday, 19 January 2026, Sonowal stated through social media that the incident involved serious criminal offences, including forgery, impersonation, and misuse of official government identity. He said the act appeared to be aimed at spreading misinformation and discrediting a constitutional authority. He further informed that law enforcement agencies had been asked to investigate the matter on priority and initiate strict legal action against those responsible.
⚠️ ALERT⚠️
🚨 Official Statement 🚨It has come to my notice that a forged letter bearing the official letterhead and fake signature of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is being circulated by miscreants with malafide intent.
This constitutes a serious criminal offence… pic.twitter.com/zB3coKBYyL
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) January 19, 2026
Sonowal clarified that the letter in circulation was entirely fake and fabricated, and cautioned the public and media against relying on or sharing the fraudulent material. He advised that information should be verified only through official sources.
According to reports, the forged letter dated 15 January 2026 was purportedly addressed to the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party and was allegedly intended to be used politically ahead of the Assam Assembly elections. The letter claimed to outline administrative and political challenges in the state, citing alleged corruption, poor governance, law and order issues, unemployment, price rise, and abuse of authority. It further alleged widespread public dissatisfaction with the government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and asserted that the BJP was at risk of winning only 35–40 seats in the upcoming polls.
The document also claimed that these purported issues had weakened the party’s cadre base and eroded public confidence, leading to resentment at the local level.
Following its circulation, the letter was flagged and formally reported to authorities by Sonowal. Reports have alleged that individuals linked to the Assam unit of the Indian National Congress were involved in circulating the forged document through WhatsApp groups, though the matter is now under investigation.
We have uncovered more evidence as to how @INCAssam Miya IT cell ( check the name ) – forged a Government of India letter head and circulated in their WhatsApp groups .
Under Section 274 (BNS) and Emblems Act 1950 – this is a non bailable offence with 10 years Rigorous… pic.twitter.com/eF48cvBOZi
— Pijush Hazarika (@Pijush_hazarika) January 19, 2026
Legal action has been initiated under Section 274 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and provisions of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950. Officials have indicated that the offences are non-bailable and carry a potential punishment of up to ten years of rigorous imprisonment. Given the alleged misuse of national symbols and a Government of India letterhead, central agencies may also intervene.
Law enforcement authorities have confirmed that an investigation is currently underway.
Source: OpIndia
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
