GUWAHATI: A forest official has come under scrutiny after being allegedly caught accepting a bribe during a vigilance operation in Assam’s Lakhimpur district on Friday, May 1, triggering widespread outrage across the state.
The accused officer, identified as Shivasish Sandilya, was reportedly apprehended by officials of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption team while allegedly taking Rs 12,000 in bribe from the owner of a dumper vehicle. The amount was allegedly demanded in connection with official work related to the department.
As per reports, the operation was carried out after a complaint was lodged by the individual concerned. Acting on the input, the vigilance team allegedly laid a trap and caught the officer.
The incident has raised serious concerns as Sandilya had topped the Assam Forest Service Examination conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) in 2020. At the time, his achievement had earned praise and positioned him among the state’s promising young officers.
The allegations have now sparked debate over integrity and accountability within public institutions, with many expressing shock over the involvement of a former top-rank holder in a corruption case.
An investigation into the matter is underway.