Agartala: In a prompt administrative move, the Forest Department of Tripura has removed Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Gaurav Ravindra Wagh from his post as District Forest Officer (DFO) of South Tripura following the detention of his relative with a substantial amount of cash near Agartala Railway Station.
The action came within two days of the incident, signalling the seriousness with which authorities are treating the matter. Wagh has been directed to remain attached to the department’s headquarters pending completion of the investigation.
In the interim, the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDFO) of Sabroom has been given additional charge of the DFO office.
The case surfaced after police detained Rajendra Chintaman Kaklij, a Mumbai-based relative of the officer, who was allegedly found carrying Rs 59.94 lakh in cash.
The vehicle from which the cash was recovered is reported to be registered in the DFO’s name. Kaklij has been remanded to police custody for five days until April 29 by a competent court.
Investigators are currently examining the origin and intended purpose of the seized cash. Preliminary inputs indicate that a forest guard and a driver, both associated with the Forest Department, may have accompanied Kaklij to the railway station in an official vehicle. Their roles are expected to come under scrutiny during the probe.
A case has been formally registered at the Government Railway Police Station in Agartala. Given the sensitivity and scale of the incident, senior police officials have indicated that the investigation will be transferred to a specialised unit of Tripura Police for further examination.
Authorities have refrained from making additional comments, stating that all aspects of the case will be addressed based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.