In a swift administrative action, the Forest Department of Tripura has removed Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Gaurav Ravindra Wagh from his post as District Forest Officer (DFO) of South Tripura after his relative was detained with a huge amount of cash near Agartala Railway Station.
The move came within 48 hours of the incident, underlining the seriousness with which the state authorities are treating the matter. Wagh has now been attached to the department’s headquarters until the investigation is completed.
Meanwhile, the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDFO) of Sabroom has been given additional charge of the South Tripura DFO office.
Relative Detained With ₹59.94 Lakh
The case came to light after police detained Rajendra Chintaman Kaklij, a Mumbai-based relative of the officer, who was allegedly carrying ₹59.94 lakh in cash.
The vehicle from which the money was recovered is reportedly registered in the name of the DFO. Following his detention, Kaklij was produced before a competent court and remanded to five days of police custody till April 29.
Probe Into Source and Purpose of Cash
Investigators are now trying to trace the source of the cash and determine its intended use.
Preliminary findings suggest that a forest guard and a driver associated with the Forest Department may have accompanied Kaklij to the railway station in an official vehicle. Their possible involvement is likely to come under detailed scrutiny as the probe progresses.
Case Likely to Be Handed to Specialised Unit
A formal case has been registered at the Government Railway Police Station in Agartala.
Considering the sensitivity and scale of the seizure, senior police officials have indicated that the investigation may soon be transferred to a specialised unit of Tripura Police for a deeper examination.
Authorities have so far refrained from making further public comments, stating that all aspects of the matter will be clarified based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
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