Rs.60 Lakh Cash Seizure Case: Crime Branch Raids Residence of DFO Gaurav Ravindra Wagh, No Arrest Yet
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, April 26, 2026
In a major development in the high-profile Rs.60 lakh cash seizure case, the Crime Branch of Tripura Police conducted multiple rounds of searches at the residence of South District Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Gaurav Ravindra Wagh, IFS on Saturday. Despite the extensive operation, no arrest has been made so far. Meanwhile, the Forest Department has transferred him to its headquarters in Agartala.
According to sources, a joint team led by GRP Superintendent of Police Kishore Debbarma, along with personnel from the Government Railway Police (GRP), Crime Branch, and Belonia Police Station, carried out day-long raids at both the official residence and office of the removed DFO. During the operation, authorities seized several items including multiple mobile phones, laptops, cheque books, more than half a dozen ATM cards, bank passbooks, and official computers from the DFO office.
Investigators suspect that the large sum of cash was transported to Agartala Railway Station using the DFO’s official vehicle, allegedly routed through forest department staff and facilitated by his Mumbai-based uncle. The uncle was apprehended by railway police at Agartala station while carrying the cash, prompting the transfer of the investigation to the Crime Branch.
Sources indicate that a special investigation team has been formed in coordination with railway police to probe what is being described as a high-profile economic offence. However, neither the investigating agencies nor the Tripura administration have issued an official statement so far, despite reports linking the case to an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer.
Reports further suggest that the cash packets were prepared at the DFO’s government residence, with slips attached to bundles bearing the names of various forest beat offices in South Tripura. A senior forest official, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that allocated government funds often do not fully reach ground-level implementation, and that irregularities in fund utilization have escalated over the past few years.
Allegations have also surfaced regarding systemic corruption within sections of the Forest Department. In many cases, departmental officers themselves reportedly act as implementing agencies for development works. By using geo-tagging and photographic documentation, projects are shown as completed on paper, with little to no field verification.
Sources claim that a network of officials
from beat and range officers to subdivisional and district-level authorities,
along with certain public representatives, may be involved in extracting commissions from such projects. It is also alleged that this nexus has discouraged scrutiny, with elected representatives rarely raising questions about irregularities.
Under existing procedures, Sub-Divisional Forest Officers issue work orders subject to DFO approval and are responsible for supervision. However, insiders allege that this structure has enabled a cut-money system, where funds are siphoned off at multiple administrative levels.
The case has triggered serious concerns about financial transparency and accountability within the Forest Department. With mounting allegations and growing public interest, all eyes are now on the Crime Branch investigation and whether further action, including arrests, will follow.
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