Khera gets one week bail in Assam case

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Friday granted interim relief to Congress leader Pawan Khera, providing him temporary anticipatory bail for one week in connection with a case filed by Assam Police. The case stems from allegations he made against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife.

Hearing Khera’s petition, Justice Sujana Kalasikam allowed him time to approach the appropriate court. “The petitioner is granted time for one week to file an application before the concerned court,” the judge said, while setting conditions for the interim protection.

The case relates to remarks made by Khera on April 5, in which he alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma holds multiple passports and owns foreign property that was not disclosed in the chief minister’s election affidavit ahead of the April 9 Assembly polls. Following these claims, a case was registered at Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections related to false statements in elections and cheating. Khera, who filed his plea on April 7, listed Hyderabad as his residence and sought protection from arrest. Appearing for him, Congress MP and senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi alleged political vendetta by the Assam government, remarking that Khera was in Hyderabad when the FIR was lodged.

Opposing the plea, Assam Advocate General Devajit Saikia argued that the complaint was filed by a private individual and not politically motivated, adding that the allegations lacked merit. Meanwhile, an Assam Police team had earlier visited Khera’s Delhi residence.

Chief Minister Sarma has rejected the accusations and criticised the Congress for failing to verify documents, warning that police would pursue the matter rigorously.