New Delhi

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, terming him “disturbed, desperate, and rattled” after an Assam Police team visited the Delhi residence of Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera.

The police action follows a criminal defamation FIR filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, Sarma’s wife, in connection with allegations made by Khera in a high-profile “passport row”.

In a post on X, Ramesh criticised the deployment of police personnel outside Khera’s residence, calling it a “witch hunt” and accusing the Chief Minister of using state machinery to “muzzle and silence” the Opposition.

“This is not due process but a witch hunt… Those who intimidate are the ones who are afraid and have much to hide,” he said, adding that such actions reflected political desperation.

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate also questioned the police move, urging Sarma to respond to the allegations instead of resorting to “threats”.

The controversy stems from claims made by Khera that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma held multiple passports and had undisclosed foreign assets. The Sarma family has strongly denied the allegations, calling the documents “AI-generated fabrications” and “doctored images”.

Reacting to the developments, Sarma said he learned about the police visit through media reports and asserted that “the law will take its own course.” He also alleged that Khera had left Delhi amid the probe.

Earlier, the Chief Minister had warned of “stringent action” against Khera and dismissed the Congress’s allegations, reiterating claims of alleged foreign links involving party leaders including Gaurav Gogoi.

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The political row has intensified ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, scheduled for April 9, with counting of votes set for May 4.