In a major move, the Assam Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, a Pakistani national, for allegedly making comments on India’s internal matters that could disrupt communal harmony and the nation’s interests. The FIR was filed following the state government’s decision to investigate Sheikh’s activities, which have sparked concerns over his potential links to anti-national elements. The controversy surrounding Sheikh’s interactions has gained attention due to his suspected associations with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s British wife, Elizabeth Colburn, raising national security concerns.
Background and FIR Registration: The FIR was registered under sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) Act) and other provisions aimed at maintaining peace and preventing threats to national security. The case, identified as CID PS Case No 05/2025, includes sections related to causing disruption in communal harmony and interference in India’s parliamentary matters. The Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced the filing of the FIR, citing Sheikh’s social media activities as a major reason for the police’s action.
As per the Chief Minister’s statement, Sheikh had been actively involved in commentary on India’s internal affairs and was suspected of having a hidden agenda aimed at undermining the nation’s sovereignty. This raised concerns that such actions might be part of a larger conspiracy to destabilize the country’s peace and security.
Link to Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi: Another critical aspect of the issue involves Gaurav Gogoi, a Congress Member of Parliament from Assam, and his wife, Elizabeth Colburn, who holds British citizenship. The BJP has accused Colburn of having links to the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) based on her interactions with Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, which led to the investigation. The Assam Cabinet had initially decided not to file a case against Gogoi or Colburn. However, they instructed the Assam Police to proceed with the FIR against Sheikh, raising suspicions over potential foreign interference in Indian politics.
Sheikh’s Social Media Activities: Sheikh’s social media activity has raised eyebrows due to his extensive commentary on India’s internal matters, including parliamentary affairs. His posts, critics argue, appear to be aimed at disrupting India’s democratic processes and communal harmony. The police investigation has intensified to explore whether these activities are part of a larger plot involving individuals or networks working against India’s interests.
The Assam Cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has directed authorities to investigate whether Sheikh’s activities were isolated or part of a broader network of individuals engaged in activities detrimental to India’s sovereignty and internal peace. The state has vowed to undertake a thorough inquiry into Sheikh’s motives and his links with any other individuals or groups in Assam and across the country.
Government Action and Investigation: The Assam government has also announced that it will write to the Centre requesting a national-level probe into Elizabeth Colburn’s involvement in Lok Sabha campaigns in Kaliabor constituency, which her husband, Gaurav Gogoi, won twice. This issue is especially sensitive due to her British citizenship, leading to questions regarding foreign nationals’ participation in Indian political campaigns.
The Assam government’s decision not to file a case against Gogoi or his wife but to move forward with an FIR against Sheikh has led to a series of political debates across India. The BJP is calling for a deeper investigation into Colburn’s role in Indian electoral politics, while the Congress party has come to the defense of Gaurav Gogoi, suggesting that no wrongdoing has occurred.
The FIR against Ali Tauqeer Sheikh and the ongoing investigation into his social media activity and suspected involvement in anti-India efforts highlight the growing concerns over foreign influence in Indian politics. The Assam Police’s proactive stance is seen as a crucial step towards safeguarding India’s sovereignty and communal harmony. As the case progresses, the nation eagerly awaits the findings of the investigation, which will likely have far-reaching implications for national security and political integrity.