THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
The Telangana High Court on Friday granted one-week anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with an FIR filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Justice K. Sujana said the petitioner has been given one week to approach the appropriate court and seek relief, subject to conditions. The detailed order is awaited.
Case Filed Over Passport Allegations
The FIR was registered after Khera alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma holds multiple passports. The case has been lodged at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to cheating, forgery, defamation, and intent to provoke breach of peace.
During the hearing, Assam Advocate General Devajit Saikia questioned the maintainability of Khera’s anticipatory bail plea in Hyderabad. He argued that Khera, a Delhi resident, should have approached the courts in Assam.
The AG also termed Khera a “flight risk,” claiming he avoided police and moved locations.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Khera, argued that the case is politically motivated and driven by vendetta.
Police Action and Background
Earlier this week, Assam Police teams reached Hyderabad in search of Khera and also searched his Delhi residence.
Khera, a senior Congress leader, is Chairman of the party’s Media & Publicity Department and a member of the Congress Working Committee.