Agartala/New Delhi: The sudden death of Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar, an IPS officer of 1994 batch, has sent shockwaves across the country’s policing fraternity. The 1994-batch IPS officer was found hanging inside the washroom of his official chamber at the Police Headquarters in Agartala on Monday. Although preliminary reports indicate suspected suicide, authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of death, and a detailed investigation is now underway.
The incident prompted an immediate response from the Tripura government, with Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha personally rushing to the Police Headquarters along with senior bureaucrats. Meanwhile, the CPI(M) has demanded a judicial inquiry headed by the Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court, questioning the circumstances surrounding the death of one of the state’s most senior police officers.
Found Unconscious at Police Headquarters
According to officials, Mr Dhankar was discovered unconscious inside the washroom of his official chamber at the Police Headquarters in Agartala on Monday morning. He was immediately rushed to Agartala Government Medical College and Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital.
Doctors attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but were unable to revive him. Dr. Pradip Bhowmik, Head of the Department of Medicine, said Dhankhar was brought to the hospital in a critical condition without a detectable pulse or blood pressure. He was declared dead at 12:48 pm.
The office premises were subsequently sealed and forensic teams began collecting evidence.
CM Manik Saha Expresses Shock
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha described the incident as deeply shocking.
In a statement, he said that immediately after receiving information, he, along with the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary, rushed to the Police Headquarters before accompanying the officer to the hospital.
The Chief Minister expressed profound grief over the demise of the senior IPS officer, calling it a tragic loss for Tripura.
What is the Status of the Investigation?
The exact cause of death has not yet been officially established.
While preliminary police inputs reportedly point towards suspected suicide, officials have clarified that the final cause will only be known after the post-mortem examination and forensic investigation are completed.
Police are examining all possible circumstances surrounding the incident, and necessary legal formalities are underway.
Opposition Demands Judicial Inquiry
The incident has triggered political reactions across Tripura.
Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury questioned whether an officer of Dhankhar’s experience could have taken such a step and demanded a judicial inquiry headed by the Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court.
Tripura BJP president Abhishek Debroy urged restraint, stating that the truth would emerge through a fair investigation and that the administration would ensure complete transparency.
Former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar also paid tribute, remembering Dhankhar as an honest, courageous and highly professional police officer.
Cabinet Pays Tribute; State Mourning Announced
The Tripura Council of Ministers observed a two-minute silence during its Cabinet meeting to pay tribute to the late police chief.
The Cabinet described Dhankhar as a committed, honest and visionary officer who served Tripura with distinction over nearly three decades.
As a mark of respect, the Tripura Government declared July 21 as a one-day State Mourning. The National Flag will fly at half-mast on government buildings, and no official entertainment programmes will be held.
A Distinguished Career Spanning Nearly Three Decades
Mr Dhankar belonged to the 1994 batch of the Tripura cadre and joined service in Tripura in 1995.
Over nearly 30 years, he held several important assignments, gradually rising through the ranks from Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) to Director General of Police.
Before becoming DGP in May 2025, he had served as Director General of Police (Intelligence) and earlier as Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) between 2013 and 2016.
He was widely regarded as one of the state’s most experienced police officers, particularly in intelligence, border management and internal security.
International Assignments and Central Deputation
Dhankhar’s experience extended far beyond Tripura.
During 2003-04, he served with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, gaining exposure to international peacekeeping and post-conflict policing.
He also worked with several premier national institutions, including:
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD)
These assignments allowed him to contribute not only to policing but also to institutional reforms and modernization.
Led High-Profile CBI Investigations
One of the defining phases of his career came during his long tenure with the Central Bureau of Investigation.
He served as Superintendent of Police, Deputy Inspector General, Joint Director and Additional Director.
IPS Dhankar led investigations into several nationally significant cases, including:
- The Punjab National Bank fraud involving fugitive businessman Nirav Modi
- The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots
These investigations placed him at the centre of some of India’s most sensitive and complex criminal probes.
Awards and Recognition
For his distinguished service, he received several prestigious honours, including:
- Police Medal for Meritorious Service
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service
Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for integrity, professionalism and strategic leadership.
From Baghpat to the IPS
Anurag Mr Dhankar hailed from Biharipur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district.
Born into a respected family, he completed his primary education in the village before studying at an Inter College in Saroorpur Khedki. He later earned a B.Sc. in Agriculture from Janta Vedic College, Baraut.
He initially worked as a field officer in a bank in 1988 while preparing for the Civil Services Examination. His perseverance paid off when he joined the Indian Police Service in 1994.
Friends recall him as an excellent volleyball player during his school days before he moved to Delhi to pursue his career.
Family
Mr Dhankar is survived by:
- Wife Kalpana
- Son Abhishek, who lives in Canada
- Elder brother Vivek Dhankar, a retired Indian Air Force officer
- Younger brother Raviraj Dhankar, who runs a business in Baraut
His mother, Ragbiri, reportedly fell ill after receiving news of his death. Family members have travelled to Tripura following the incident.
Awaiting Official Findings
Although early reports have suggested suspected suicide, officials have emphasised that no final conclusion should be drawn until the post-mortem examination and forensic investigation are completed.
The findings of the investigation are expected to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the untimely death of one of Tripura’s most senior and decorated police officers.
