Agartala April 24: The Tripura Forest Department took swift action on Friday by removing Gaurav Ravindra Wagh from his post as the District Forest Officer (DFO) of South Tripura. This move follows a high-profile police operation near the Agartala Railway Station, where authorities intercepted a relative of the officer with nearly ₹60 lakh in unaccounted cash.
The department has officially attached Wagh to the state headquarters. Consequently, the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDFO) of Sabroom will manage the DFO’s responsibilities as an additional charge for now.
The Railway Station Crackdown
The controversy began when police detained Rajendra Chintaman Kaklij, a Mumbai resident and relative of the DFO. During a search at the railway station, officers recovered Rs 59.94 lakh in cash.
Shockingly, investigators revealed that the vehicle used to transport the suspect is registered under the DFO’s name. A court has since remanded Kaklij to police custody until April 29 to determine the source of the funds.
Widening the Net
Senior officials confirmed that the investigation is expanding. Specifically, police are looking into the roles of a forest guard and a driver. Both employees were reportedly in the government vehicle when they dropped Kaklij at the station.
“We have withdrawn the officer from his assignment to ensure a fair inquiry,” a senior forest official stated. Meanwhile, the Agartala Government Railway Police (GRP) has registered a formal case. Due to the gravity of the incident, the Tripura Police will likely hand over the case to a specialized unit for deeper interrogation.
News Analysis: Impact on Local Governance
This incident marks a significant moment for the Tripura Forest Department’s internal transparency. South Tripura has been a sensitive zone for timber and border-related activities. The use of a government-allotted vehicle for transporting large sums of cash raises serious questions about the misuse of state machinery.
This swift “attachment to headquarters” suggests the authority is moving toward a zero-tolerance policy regarding financial irregularities among high-ranking officials.
Quick Glance & FAQ
| Key Detail | Information |
| Officer Involved | Gaurav Ravindra Wagh (DFO South Tripura) |
| Amount Seized | Rs 59.94 Lakh |
| Primary Suspect | Rajendra Chintaman Kaklij (Relative) |
| Current Status | DFO attached to HQ; Relative in police custody |
Q: Has the DFO been suspended? A: No. Currently, he has been relieved of his duties and attached to the headquarters pending the outcome of the investigation.
Q: Who is handling the DFO’s duties now? A: The Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDFO) of Sabroom has taken additional charge.
Q: Where was the cash found? A: The cash was seized from a relative at the Agartala Railway Station who arrived in a vehicle linked to the DFO.