Assam SIT Flags Alleged Pakistan-Linked Funding and FCRA Violations Involving Gaurav Gogoi’s Wife

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday stated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe has raised serious allegations against Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi, the British-born wife of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, regarding her past employment in Pakistan and alleged foreign fund transfers that may have violated India’s Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).

Speaking to reporters, Sarma said Elizabeth Gogoi was associated with LEAD Pakistan, a climate-focused non-profit organisation founded by Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, during her time in Islamabad. He claimed she worked on international climate initiatives connected to both India and Pakistan, including projects linked to the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN).

According to the SIT findings cited by the Chief Minister, Elizabeth Gogoi allegedly operated under what was described as a “shadow” employment arrangement, where she was initially hired by a Pakistani NGO in Islamabad and later had her work shifted to India.

Sarma alleged that a Pakistan-based organisation employed her and later transferred her role to India, with her salary reportedly being paid by Sheikh. He further claimed that these overseas payments were routed through Indian bank accounts, potentially breaching FCRA provisions.

The SIT reportedly indicated that an entity named “LEAD India” was established in New Delhi and was allegedly used as a channel to route foreign funds while bypassing regulatory limits under the FCRA.

The Chief Minister also alleged that Elizabeth Gogoi shared sensitive government information with her Pakistani associate. He claimed that the SIT report suggested she handed over an internal and confidential Assam government document to Sheikh during her time in Pakistan. If substantiated, such an act could potentially violate India’s Official Secrets Act. However, the Assam government has not released the full SIT report, citing confidentiality concerns.

Sarma further questioned whether Elizabeth Gogoi had disclosed her alleged Pakistan links while participating in Indian electoral processes as a foreign national.

He asserted that the matter relates to national security rather than political considerations and announced that the Assam Cabinet has forwarded the SIT dossier concerning the Congress MP and his wife to the Union Home Ministry. The state government has recommended that central agencies take charge of further investigation.

With inputs from IANS