Agartala: Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar, an IPS officer of 1994 batch from Tripura cadre, was found unconscious inside the bathroom of his office at the Tripura Police Headquarters in Agartala on Monday morning. He was immediately rushed to the Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Police and forensic teams have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
While preliminary reports have suggested the possibility of suicide, authorities have not issued any official confirmation regarding the cause of death, and the investigation is underway.
The sudden development sent shockwaves through the state’s administrative and police establishment, prompting Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha to rush to the police headquarters shortly after the incident came to light.
Chief Minister Reaches Police Headquarters
The emergency unfolded early on Monday when Mr Dhankar was discovered unconscious in the bathroom of his office at the police headquarters.
Senior police officers immediately shifted him to GBP Hospital in Agartala. Despite efforts by doctors, he was declared dead.
Chief Minister Manik Saha visited the police headquarters as senior officials coordinated the response. Though journalists had gathered outside the premises, the Chief Minister did not make any public statement. Police officials also maintained silence as investigations commenced.
Dhankhar’s body has been kept at GBP Hospital while forensic experts examine the scene and investigators collect evidence.
One of Tripura’s Most Experienced IPS Officers
Mr Dhankar belonged to the 1994 batch of the Indian Police Service (IPS) of the Tripura cadre and hailed from Baghpat district in Uttar Pradesh.
He assumed charge as the Director General of Police, Tripura, on May 18, 2025, succeeding Amitabh Ranjan (IPS:1988:TR) after the latter’s retirement.
Having spent nearly 16 years in various policing assignments within Tripura, Dhankhar possessed deep knowledge of the state’s law and order, border management and intelligence operations. His extensive field experience made him one of the most senior and respected officers in the cadre.
Before becoming the state’s police chief, he had also served as Director General of Police (Intelligence) and earlier as Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) between 2013 and 2016, playing an important role during a crucial phase of Tripura’s internal security management.
Led CBI’s High-Profile Nirav Modi Investigation
Mr Dhankar’s career extended well beyond state policing.
During a long tenure with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), he served in several senior capacities, including:
- Superintendent of Police
- Deputy Inspector General
- Joint Director
- Additional Director
Among his most notable assignments was leading the CBI investigation into the multi-crore Punjab National Bank fraud involving fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, one of India’s most significant financial crime investigations.
The probe required coordination across multiple agencies, analysis of complex financial transactions and handling of a case that attracted nationwide attention.
International and Central Government Experience
IPS Dhankar also represented India internationally.
Between 2003 and 2004, he served with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, where he worked alongside police officers from different countries in post-conflict peacekeeping and institutional rebuilding.
His central deputation also included important assignments in:
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as Inspector General (Personnel).
- Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), where he contributed to police modernization and institutional reforms.
These assignments broadened his administrative experience beyond conventional policing, giving him exposure to human resource management, police reforms and international policing standards.
Long Administrative Career
Mr Dhankar entered the IPS at a time when India was undergoing significant changes in its policing and internal security landscape.
Over more than three decades of service, he held several key responsibilities across state and central organisations. His colleagues regarded him as an officer known for strategic planning, analytical decision-making and administrative discipline.
Throughout his career, he handled assignments relating to law and order, intelligence, criminal investigations, police administration and institutional development.
Investigation Underway
Police officials have not yet released an official statement regarding the exact cause of Mr Dhankar’s death.
Forensic experts have begun examining the office premises, while investigators are collecting evidence as part of the inquiry. Authorities are expected to make further details public after completion of the preliminary investigation.
The sudden demise of the state’s police chief has left the police fraternity and administrative establishment in shock.
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