DGP Anurag Dhankar Reprimands Crime Branch Over Escape of Tripura’s IFS Officer in Rs 60 Lakh Money Laundering Case

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, May 3, 2026

A major controversy has erupted within the Tripura Police following the sensational escape of suspended South Tripura DFO and IFS officer Gaurav Rabindra Wagh, who is accused in a high-profile money laundering and corruption case involving nearly Rs 60 lakh in cash. According to highly placed sources, Tripura Director General of Police Anurag Dhankar, IPS has strongly reprimanded senior Crime Branch officials, including DIG Crime Branch Sanjoy Roy and members of the investigating team, over what is being viewed as a massive failure in handling the case and preventing the accused officer’s escape.

Sources said the DGP held a day-long review meeting at the Crime Branch headquarters on April 30 to assess the investigation and reportedly expressed serious dissatisfaction over how an accused officer in such a sensitive corruption and money laundering case could evade arrest despite remaining under active surveillance by investigators. It is also learnt that Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha is deeply unhappy over the manner in which the prime accused allegedly managed to mislead investigators and flee from Tripura despite mounting evidence against him.

The case began on April 23, 2026, when Government Special Branch Police at Agartala Railway Station intercepted a Mumbai-bound passenger identified as Rajendra Chintaman Kankachila and recovered Rs 59,95,500 in cash concealed inside a trolley bag. According to the FIR, the money was suspected to be proceeds linked to illegal gratification connected with government related works. During interrogation, Rajendra reportedly disclosed that the cash had been handed over to him by his nephew, DFO Gaurav Rabindra Wagh, IFS for transportation to Maharashtra.

Despite this crucial confession and the serious allegations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act, investigators allegedly failed to immediately arrest the IFS officer. Instead, the accused was repeatedly questioned for nearly two days while remaining outside custody. This delay has now become the centre of intense criticism from political circles, administrative officials and the public alike.

In a dramatic development, when the Crime Branch team finally moved to arrest the accused officer, after four days, he had already disappeared from his temporary accommodation at the State Forest Guest House. Sources claimed that the accused cleverly left his mobile phone switched on at the location to mislead investigators before quietly escaping by road. His disappearance despite close monitoring by senior police officers has triggered outrage and raised serious questions regarding coordination, supervision and possible negligence within the Crime Branch.

The incident has further intensified after allegations surfaced that the accused was effectively allowed operational freedom despite being under suspicion in a major corruption case. Critics argue that if ordinary citizens or social media critics of political leaders can be swiftly detained by investigative agencies, then allowing a senior officer accused of possessing illegal cash worth nearly Rs 60 lakh to flee reflects a shocking double standard in policing.

Leader of the Opposition Congress Sudip Roy Barman has already alleged that the accused could not have escaped without some form of understanding or negligence involving investigators. Questions are now being raised over why no strict surveillance mechanism was placed around the accused even after his name surfaced directly during interrogation and why the Crime Branch failed to act decisively at the initial stage itself.

The controversy has become even more embarrassing for Tripura Police because this is believed to be the first known instance of an All India Service officer allegedly collecting huge amounts of illicit cash and attempting to secretly send it outside the state through a relative. Many observers feel that instead of acting swiftly and arresting the accused immediately after the revelations, the investigating agency indirectly created an opportunity for escape.

Meanwhile, co-accused Rajendra Chintaman Kankachila remains in police custody and has been remanded till May 4, 2026. Investigators are continuing to interrogate him regarding the source of the seized cash and possible involvement of other government officials. The FIR reportedly points towards a broader conspiracy involving illegal financial transactions and corruption linked to official works.

The escape of the prime accused, however, has now overshadowed the entire investigation. What initially appeared to be a breakthrough in exposing a corruption network has rapidly turned into a major embarrassment for the investigating agency itself. Administrative circles and members of the public are demanding accountability and action against officials responsible for the lapse. There is also growing concern that the incident has damaged the reputation of Tripura Police, which had once earned national recognition, including the prestigious President’s Colour award.

As search operations continue to trace absconding IFS officer Gaurav Rabindra Wagh, the focus has now shifted not only towards his arrest but also towards fixing responsibility for what many are calling one of the biggest investigative failures in recent years. The coming days are expected to be crucial both for the future of the investigation and for restoring public confidence in the state police machinery.

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