Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the state police's inability to apprehend suspended divisional forest officer for South Tripura and IFS officer Gaurav Rabindra Wagh, who is accused of high-profile corruption and money laundering.
CM Criticizes Investigation Process
Saha criticized Director General of Police Anurag, urging him to reassess the investigation process in light of allegations against crime branch officials regarding discrepancies in the recovery list that reportedly facilitated Wagh's escape from the state.
Arrest and Recovery Discrepancies
A relative of Wagh, Rajendra Chintaman Kankachila, was apprehended at Agartala Railway Station on April 23 with over Rs 1 crore in cash. However, the official seizure report recorded only Rs 60 lakh. Allegations suggest that procedural errors committed by a team led by DIG Crime Branch Sanjoy Roy during the arrest may have been deliberate, raising concerns about potential collusion to shield Wagh.
CM's Directives
The Chief Minister instructed the police chief to conduct a detailed review of the investigation and voiced dissatisfaction over the failure to prevent Wagh's evasion despite ongoing surveillance. The Director General of Police has been tasked with ensuring Wagh's immediate arrest and has been advised to collaborate with Maharashtra Police, where the accused officer hails from, if necessary.
This development comes amid growing scrutiny of the state's law enforcement mechanisms. The CM's intervention underscores the seriousness of the case and the need for accountability within the police department. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
