Photo Courtesy: nenow
Agartala: Tripura Director General of Police Anurag Dhankar died on Monday, July 20, after being discovered unconscious inside the bathroom of his office chamber at the Police Headquarters in Agartala. The 1994-batch IPS officer was rushed to Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital at approximately 12:00 pm. He arrived without a pulse or detectable blood pressure.
Doctors performed resuscitation efforts for 48 minutes. Dr. Pradip Bhowmik confirmed the medical team could not revive him. He was declared dead at 12:48 pm. "He was brought in with no signs of life. After repeated attempts, we had to declare him dead at 12:48 pm," Dr. Bhowmik stated.
Dhankar assumed the role of DGP in May 2025, taking over for Amitabh Ranjan. His career spanned over three decades, including stints with the CBI, BSF, and a posting with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo. He previously served as the state's Director General of Intelligence.
The death has triggered an immediate investigation. Forensic teams have processed the office scene. Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha visited the police headquarters and the hospital. Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, and West Tripura District Magistrate Vishal Kumar also gathered at the hospital following the news.
Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman and Opposition Leader Jitendra Choudhury have demanded a judicial probe monitored by the High Court. Roy Barman described the late officer as "one of the most honest police officers Tripura has ever witnessed." He cited reports that Dhankar was experiencing mental anxiety prior to the incident. Former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar also visited the hospital to pay his respects.
Authorities have yet to issue a definitive cause of death, pending the results of a post-mortem examination. Dhankar's wife remains in Agartala, while the couple's son is traveling to the state to join the family. The state administration has secured the office as the investigation continues.
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