Photo Courtesy: nenow
Agartala: Tripura Director General of Police Anurag Dhankar died Monday after being discovered hanging in the bathroom of his office chamber at the Police Headquarters in Agartala. The 1994-batch IPS officer, who assumed the state's top police post in May 2025, was rushed to the Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital but could not be saved.
Dr. Pradip Bhowmik, a senior physician at the hospital, confirmed the officer arrived with no pulse or blood pressure. "He was brought in with no signs of life. After repeated attempts, we had to declare him dead at 12:48 pm," Dr. Bhowmik said. Despite 48 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the medical team could not revive him.
Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, and Home Secretary Kiran Gitte arrived at the scene shortly after the discovery. The state government subsequently announced a one-day mourning period for July 21. Flags will fly at half-mast on government buildings, and all official entertainment programs are cancelled.
A magisterial inquiry is underway to determine the circumstances of the death, alongside a pending post-mortem examination. Forensic teams have already swept the office for evidence. Opposition Leader Jitendra Choudhury has formally demanded a judicial inquiry led by a High Court judge, citing concerns over state law and order.
Dhankar held a distinguished career spanning three decades. He previously served as DGP (Intelligence) in Tripura, held roles within the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Border Security Force, the Bureau of Police Research and Development, and the Central Industrial Security Force. He also served internationally with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo. He was a recipient of the Police Medal for Meritorious Service and the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
The officer is survived by his wife and daughter. His son, who lives in Canada, is currently traveling to Agartala. While political figures and the public await further findings, state BJP president Abhishek Debroy urged the public to refrain from speculation until the official investigation concludes.
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