Tripura Forest Department removes DFO Gaurav Wagh after relative’s arrest with Rs 59.94 lakh cash near Agartala Railway Station. Police intensify probe into money trail, vehicle ownership, and possible misuse of official resources in high-profile case.
A senior official of the forest administration in Tripura has been removed from his post following a major cash seizure that has triggered a widening investigation. The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of administrative accountability after law enforcement detained a relative of the officer with a substantial amount of unaccounted money.
The Forest Department has relieved District Forest Officer (DFO) South Tripura, Gaurav Ravindra Wagh, from his current responsibilities. The action was taken two days after police arrested one of his close relatives near Agartala Railway Station with a large sum of cash. According to police sources, the money—amounting to Rs 59.94 lakh—was recovered from a vehicle reportedly owned by the DFO.
Officials confirmed that the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDFO) of Sabroom has been assigned additional charge of the DFO’s duties on an interim basis. A senior departmental source stated that Wagh will remain attached to the headquarters until the investigation concludes, emphasizing that the removal is temporary but necessary given the seriousness of the allegations.
The case came to light when police detained Rajendra Chintaman Kaklij, a Mumbai-based relative of the officer, during a routine check near the railway station. He was subsequently produced before a local court, which remanded him to five days of police custody until April 29. Investigators are currently probing the origin of the seized cash and its intended use.
Law enforcement agencies are also examining the involvement of other individuals connected to the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that a forest guard and a driver—both allegedly present when Kaklij was transported to the station in a government vehicle assigned to the DFO—may be questioned as part of the inquiry.
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A formal case has been registered at the Government Railway Police Station in Agartala. Given the gravity of the situation, officials indicated that the investigation will be transferred to another unit of Tripura Police to ensure an impartial and thorough probe.
The incident has raised concerns about potential misuse of official resources and the need for stronger oversight within government departments. Authorities have reiterated that strict action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation, reinforcing the administration’s stance on transparency and accountability.
