₹1 Crore Seizure Row: Tripura CM Manik Saha Rebukes DGP Over Failure to Arrest IFS Officer Gaurav Wagh
The Tripura Government has been rocked by controversy after Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed sharp dissatisfaction with the state police for failing to arrest suspended Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Gaurav Rabindra Wagh (2020 batch), accused in a high-profile corruption and money laundering case. The CM’s intervention has intensified scrutiny of the police force and raised serious questions about procedural lapses and possible collusion within the crime branch.
Allegations of Discrepancies and Possible Collusion
The case took a dramatic turn after Rajendra Chintaman Kankachila, a relative of Wagh, was apprehended at Agartala Railway Station on April 23 with reportedly over ₹1 crore in cash. However, the official seizure report documented only ₹60 lakh, sparking allegations of discrepancies and deliberate underreporting.
Sources suggest that the lapses occurred during the operation led by DIG Crime Branch Sanjoy Roy, fueling suspicions that the discrepancies may have facilitated Wagh’s escape from Tripura. The incident has triggered widespread concern about accountability within the police force.
CM Orders Detailed Review of Investigation
Taking a stern view of the matter, CM Manik Saha directed Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag to reassess the investigation process. He criticized the inability of the police to prevent Wagh’s escape despite ongoing surveillance and demanded a comprehensive review of the probe.
The Chief Minister emphasized that accountability must be fixed within the force, particularly in sensitive corruption cases involving senior officials.
Directive for Immediate Arrest and Inter-State Coordination
The CM has instructed the DGP to ensure the immediate arrest of Gaurav Wagh and directed the police to intensify efforts to trace him. Given that Wagh hails from Maharashtra, Tripura Police has been advised to coordinate closely with the Maharashtra Police and other agencies to expedite the search operation.
Case Raises Questions on Police Functioning
The developments have cast a spotlight on the functioning of the crime branch and the broader police machinery in Tripura. Alleged discrepancies in the cash seizure and the accused officer’s escape have raised concerns about internal integrity, procedural diligence, and oversight mechanisms.
Observers note that such lapses undermine public trust in law enforcement, especially in cases involving corruption and financial irregularities at senior bureaucratic levels.
Ongoing Developments
Authorities are expected to intensify efforts to track down Wagh in the coming days. The review ordered by the Chief Minister may lead to further disciplinary action if lapses or misconduct are established.
The case has now become a test of the state police’s credibility and efficiency, with the CM’s strong intervention signaling that accountability will be enforced at the highest levels.
