Shivashis Shandilya, despite his name symbolizing blessings of Lord Shiva, could not escape the consequences of corruption. The forest officer, accused of taking bribes worth lakhs every month, has been caught by authorities.
Shandilya, who secured the top rank in the 2020 Assam Forest Service examination conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission, allegedly built a large fortune through corrupt practices soon after joining service.
On Friday, he was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of ₹12,000 from a dumper owner named Amrit Gogoi at his official residence in Lakhimpur. Officials from the anti-corruption branch arrested him on the spot.
Following his arrest, a raid at his government residence led to the recovery of ₹5.68 lakh in cash, found hidden inside an almirah and under a bed.
Serious allegations have emerged against Shandilya, including extorting money from dumper owners through threats. Reportedly, each dumper owner was forced to pay ₹2,000 daily. Even after issuing official challans, he allegedly continued demanding money and would stop vehicles on the road if payments were not made.
Further claims suggest a larger network of corruption within the forest department. Dumper owners allegedly had to pay around ₹40,000 monthly to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and ₹30,000 to the ranger.
In a shocking statement, a dumper owner named Indrajit Moran claimed before the media that over ₹3 crore had been paid as bribes to the Lakhimpur forest department over the past 25 years. Allegations also indicate involvement of multiple officials, including the DFO and other staff.
The anti-corruption team also conducted raids at Shandilya’s residence in Guwahati’s Japorigog area, seizing important documents.
He was brought from Lakhimpur to Guwahati overnight and produced in court on Saturday. Investigations are ongoing.