Agartala: The Tripura government has placed controversial Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Gaurav Ravindra Wagh under suspension with immediate effect after his name surfaced in a major cash seizure case linked to allegations of corruption and money laundering.
The 2020-batch officer was earlier removed from his post as Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), South Tripura, after a person allegedly linked to him was detained with nearly Rs 60 lakh in cash at Agartala Railway Station.
Suspension Order Issued by Tripura Government
In an official order issued on Tuesday, the Under Secretary to the Government of Tripura stated that the competent authority had exercised powers under Rule 3(1)(a) of the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969, to suspend Wagh from service with immediate effect.
The order further specified that:
- His headquarters during suspension will remain at Agartala
- He cannot leave headquarters without prior approval from the competent authority
Cash Seizure Triggered Administrative Action
The controversy began after Rajendra Chintaman Kankachila, reportedly a relative of Wagh, was detained at Agartala Railway Station on April 23 with over Rs 60 lakh in cash.
Following the incident:
- Wagh was removed as DFO, South Tripura
- He was attached to the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force in Agartala
- Disciplinary proceedings against him were initiated
However, reports suggest that the officer later fled the state after the seizure and the subsequent scrutiny.
Allegations of Procedural Lapses and Possible Collusion
The case has also triggered allegations against investigating officials. According to reports, although over Rs 60 lakh was allegedly recovered, the official seizure report reportedly mentioned only Rs 60 lakh.
Questions have also been raised over the handling of the investigation by a Crime Branch team led by Sanjoy Roy. Allegations of procedural lapses and possible collusion have surfaced, with claims that discrepancies in the documentation may have aided Wagh’s escape.
Chief Minister Expresses Displeasure
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha had earlier expressed dissatisfaction over the inability of police authorities to apprehend the officer.
Reports suggest that the Chief Minister questioned Director General of Police Anurag regarding the progress of the investigation and sought a review of the probe process amid growing controversy.
Corruption and Money Laundering Allegations Under Spotlight
The suspension has intensified attention on allegations of corruption and money laundering linked to the officer. The government’s move is being viewed as a significant administrative action amid mounting public and political scrutiny surrounding the case.
Further investigation into the matter is currently underway.
Close Scrutiny
The suspension of IFS officer Gaurav Ravindra Wagh marks a major development in Tripura’s high-profile cash seizure controversy. With allegations of corruption, investigative irregularities, and possible administrative lapses emerging simultaneously, the case is likely to remain under close scrutiny in the coming weeks.
Profile: Gaurav Ravindra Wagh
Gaurav Wagh is a 2020-batch Indian Forest Service officer who had been serving as Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), South Tripura.
- Batch: 2020 (IFoS)
- Previous Role: SDFO, Teliamura
- Education: B.E. (Engineering)
- Year of Birth: 1995
He was removed from his post following the cash seizure and directed to report to headquarters pending investigation.
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