Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar died on Monday under circumstances that remain under investigation, triggering shock across the state and prompting demands for a judicial inquiry from opposition parties.
According to officials, Dhankar was found in the washroom of his office chamber at the Police Headquarters and was immediately rushed to GB Pant Hospital, where doctors declared him dead at 12:48 p.m.
Senior physician Dr. Pradip Bhaumik said Dhankar was brought to the hospital without pulse or blood pressure. Despite cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other emergency medical procedures, doctors were unable to revive him. His body has been sent for post-mortem examination, which authorities say will be crucial in determining the exact cause of death.
Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha visited the Police Headquarters soon after receiving the information, accompanied by the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary. In a condolence message, the Chief Minister expressed profound grief over Dhankar’s demise and extended his sympathies to the bereaved family, praying for strength and courage during this difficult time.
Several ministers, including Pranajit Singha Roy, Sushanta Chowdhury, Bikash Debbarma, Animesh Debbarma and Ratan Lal Nath, later paid their respects at GB Pant Hospital. Minister Ratan Lal Nath described Dhankar as a dedicated and responsible officer and urged the public to refrain from speculation until the post-mortem findings are available.
The incident, however, sparked political reactions. Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury alleged that he and former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar were prevented from paying their respects at the hospital and demanded a judicial inquiry under the supervision of a sitting judge of the Tripura High Court. The CPI(M) and the Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee also called for an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.
BJP state president Abhishek Debroy said every aspect of the case would be thoroughly investigated and assured that the truth would emerge through the official probe.
A 1994-batch IPS officer, Dhankar took charge as Tripura’s Director General of Police in May 2025. During his distinguished career, he served with the CBI, BSF and the United Nations Mission in Kosovo. Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of death, and investigators are examining all available evidence. The post-mortem report is awaited.
