Ripun Bora hits back after SIT grilling in Gogoi ‘Pak-link’ case: ‘Why not question CM Sarma and Diganta Kalita?”

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 29, 2025

The political storm around Jorhat MP and Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi’s alleged Pakistan link intensified on Thursday as senior Congress leader Ripun Bora was questioned for nearly five hours by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Chief Minister’s Vigilance Cell.

The interrogation followed a press conference Bora held on May 25 at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati, where he accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of leading a “political smear campaign” against Gogoi without presenting any verifiable evidence.

“A team led by SP Rosy Kalita asked me why I defended Gaurav Gogoi and what information I had. They said he visited Pakistan secretly. I responded to everything clearly,” Bora told reporters after the session.

Though he described the questioning as cordial, Bora didn’t hold back. He challenged the investigation’s direction, calling on the SIT to interrogate CM Sarma and BJP MLA Diganta Kalita if the probe is to be taken seriously.

“If the CM claims he has solid proof, why were two photos—one from Parliament and one from an embassy—doctored? He also said he’s been in touch with Pakistan. In what capacity is he making such contact during a period of military tension? He needs to explain that,” Bora said.

He also aimed Diganta Kalita, alleging that the BJP MLA had shared detailed claims on social media about Gogoi’s supposed 15-day stay in Pakistan—right down to his hotel, flight, and meetings.

“Where did Kalita get that information? Was he with Gogoi in Pakistan? In 2013, both were in Congress and were friends. He should be questioned too,” Bora added.

Despite the high-stakes political tension, Bora made it clear he would continue cooperating with authorities: “If they call me again—even a hundred times—I’ll be there. I respect the law and will always stand by it.”