CBI, ED, PMLA, Tripura Police Probe Multiple Cases Against IAS Officer, Half Salary Continues, Raising Questions Over Administrative Safeguards
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, October 21, 2026
Multiple criminal and corruption-related investigations are reportedly linked to suspended 2003-batch Tripura-cadre IAS officer Abhishek Chandra, bringing renewed attention to the progress of the cases, the role of investigating agencies and the state government's handling of the officer's suspension.
Apart from a matter involving the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF), information received by this publication indicates that the Tripura Police Crime Branch has been investigating three separate criminal and corruption cases involving the officer. A separate money-laundering investigation by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has also brought his name into the inquiry into alleged financial irregularities and the receipt of proceeds of crime.
The exact status and scope of each of the reported criminal cases is not available. But it is confirmed from official records that these cases are examining separately, as the allegations, evidence and legal proceedings differ.
In a press release dated August 1, 2026, the ED's Agartala Sub-Zonal Office announced the provisional attachment of bank balances worth approximately Rs 1.12 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The agency stated that the attachment order was issued on July 31, 2026, in connection with an alleged scheme involving impersonation of government officials and the cheating of investors and businessmen.
According to the ED, its investigation revealed that Abhishek Chandra, a suspended IAS officer of the Tripura cadre, allegedly received proceeds of crime generated by Utpal Kumar Chowdhury and his associates. The agency alleged that the money was transferred both directly into the officer's personal bank accounts and indirectly through payments made by entities associated with the alleged scheme to a private housing company for booking a flat in his name.
The ED further stated that, including the latest order, assets provisionally attached under two attachment orders in the case total approximately Rs 1.63 crore.
These allegations form part of an ongoing investigation.
Sources familiar with the developments have claimed that the Tripura Police Crime Branch has been investigating three separate criminal and corruption cases involving Abhishek Chandra for a considerable period.
However, questions have been raised about the progress of these investigations and whether the investigating authorities have completed the necessary inquiries or submitted reports to the appropriate authorities or courts.
The West Bengal STF has also reportedly been pursuing a matter connected with the IAS officer Abhishek Chandra, with reports indicating that the agency sought the Tripura government's sanction to prosecute him.
The current status of the request, the precise allegations and any subsequent decision by the competent authority not available as no Tripura Government authorities is ready to disclose anything require confirmation from official records.
Attention has also returned to an earlier CBI-related case reportedly connected with a dispute over the officer's Scheduled Caste certificate and questions concerning his entry into the All India Services.
Reportedly the precise status of the proceedings remains pending before the Supreme Court.
The continued suspension of the IAS officer has also prompted questions within sections of the administrative establishment, according to sources who spoke to this publication.
A senior Tripura Civil Service (TCS) officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, questioned the pace of the reported investigations and asked why the officer remained suspended while continuing to receive a subsistence allowance despite not performing regular official duties.
The officer expressed concern that the various investigations had not produced sufficiently visible progress and alleged that certain officials in the state administration might be protecting the suspended officer.
more news...