In a deeply troubling turn of events for Tripura Police, the prime accused in a Rs 60 lakh cash recovery case, former South Tripura Divisional Forest Officer Gaurav Rabindra Wagh, has gone absconding, raising serious concerns over lapses in police oversight.
The case began on April 23, 2026, when officials at Agartala Railway Station intercepted a Mumbai-bound passenger, Rajendra Chintaman Kankachila, and recovered Rs 59,95,500 in cash concealed in his luggage. During questioning, Rajendra reportedly revealed that the money had been handed to him by his nephew, Wagh, for transport to Mumbai.
Despite this disclosure, the Crime Branch did not immediately detain the officer. Instead, he was questioned over multiple days, even as suspicions against him strengthened. By the time authorities moved to arrest him, he had already disappeared from his temporary stay at a government guest house and could not be located at official premises.
Reports suggest that Wagh may have deliberately misled investigators by leaving his mobile phone behind before escaping by road. His ability to evade surveillance, despite the involvement of senior officials, has triggered widespread criticism and raised questions about procedural lapses.
While Rajendra remains in custody, investigators continue probing possible links to a broader corruption network under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Meanwhile, the focus has shifted to accountability within the system, as authorities intensify efforts to locate the absconding officer and restore public trust.
