Assam Forest Ranger Arrested for Alleged Bribery in Lakhimpur

In a significant development, an Assam forest ranger has been arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 12,000. The accused, Shivashish Shandilya, was found with an additional Rs 5.68 lakh during a search of his residence. The case has raised concerns about a broader network of corruption within the forest department, with claims of systematic bribery from transport operators. Local officials are now investigating the extent of these allegations, as more individuals come forward with their experiences of extortion. This incident highlights the ongoing issues of corruption in government services and the challenges faced by those trying to operate legally.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 2, 2026, 15:45 IST

Arrest of Forest Ranger in Assam

The accused, identified as Shivashish Shandilya after caught taking bribe (Photo: @FightApsc/X)

Guwahati, May 2: An Assam forest ranger stationed in Lakhimpur district has been apprehended by the Anti-Corruption Directorate for allegedly accepting a bribe amounting to Rs 12,000.

The individual, Shivashish Shandilya, is recognized as an officer in the Assam Forest Service and was a top-ranking candidate in the Assam Forest Ranger Exam 2020.

After his arrest on Friday, authorities executed a search at his home in Japorigog, Guwahati, uncovering an additional Rs 5.68 lakh in cash.

This operation was initiated based on specific intelligence, with local MLA Manab Deka playing a role in connecting the complainant with anti-corruption officials, as per sources.

A dumper vehicle owner, who helped set up the sting operation, claimed that the ranger had been persistently demanding bribes and harassing transport operators.

“I provide dumper vehicles, and many families rely on this business. The ranger would threaten me and insist on a monthly payment. If I didn’t comply, he would halt my vehicles and create issues over minor delays in paperwork,” he stated.

The complainant reported that the ranger requested money again on April 30, leading him to contact the MLA.

“After informing MLA Deka, I was put in touch with an anti-corruption officer. A plan was devised, and he was caught in the act while I handed him Rs 12,000,” he recounted.

He further alleged that there is a broader network involved in illegal collections.

“Many might not come forward, but I suspect a nexus exists. Approximately Rs 2,000 is reportedly collected from each vehicle entering the forest,” he asserted.

A local businessman also made serious accusations regarding systematic bribery within the forest department, stating that payments were being demanded regularly despite having valid permits.

“Even with permits, we are required to pay Rs 30,000 to the ranger and Rs 40,000 to the DFO monthly. Other staff members ask for around Rs 7,000. I have paid over Rs 5 crore in bribes since I began my work,” he claimed.

When asked why he hadn’t reported this earlier, he explained, “I couldn’t. I had to plead with them to allow me to operate my business to support my children studying outside the state.”

He also mentioned that in 2025, he was coerced into paying Rs 8 lakh as a “fine” even though his vehicle was empty.

Meanwhile, forest official Mriganka Borah stated that he was not yet familiar with the specifics of the case.

“I have only been posted here for a month. I have not been questioned by anti-corruption officials. If any misconduct is found, we will investigate and take necessary actions,” he remarked.

Authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation to trace the origins of the seized cash and explore potential broader corruption within the department.