Anurag Dhankar, a highly decorated 1994-batch IPS officer, assumed charge as the state's police chief in May 2025, succeeding Amitabh Ranjan
Tripura DGP Anurag Dhankar found dead at police HQ; suicide suspected
Decorated 1994-batch IPS officer and former CBI sleuth was brought dead to GB Pant Hospital; CM Manik Saha visits the facility as a probe is launched
In a shocking turn of events, Tripura Director General of Police, Anurag Dhankar, was found dead at his office in the police headquarters at Agartala on Monday (July 20), an official said.
The police suspect it to be a case of suicide. While preliminary reports are conflicted, with some suggesting the top cop shot himself with his service weapon and others stating he was found hanging in his office.
Police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, and the exact cause of death will be ascertained after the post-mortem examination, said reprots.
Probe launched
An official investigation has been launched to establish the exact circumstances. "The exact circumstances surrounding his death are yet to be officially confirmed," said Kiran Gitte, the secretary to the Chief Minister.
The 1994-batch IPS officer was rushed to the G B Pant Hospital in Agartala. Reports said that hospital authorities confirmed he arrived at noon showing no pulse, blood pressure, or signs of life.
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Medical professionals performed CPR for over 40 minutes in an attempt to revive him, but he was officially declared dead at 12:48 PM.
Highly-decorated IPS officer
Anurag Dhankar, a highly decorated 1994-batch IPS officer, assumed charge as the state's police chief in May 2025, succeeding Amitabh Ranjan.
Regarded as one of the most senior IPS officers in Tripura, his career highlights included becoming director general (Intelligence), Tripura Police, and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), where he successfully spearheaded several high-profile national investigations. With over three decades of service, he has been awarded the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
Dhankar also served with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo during 2003-4, gaining international policing experience.
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Known for his professional rigour and extensive operational experience, Dhankar's sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the government administration and the police fraternity.
Following the incident, Chief Minister Manik Saha and top government officials, including Chief Secretary J K Sinha, visited the hospital.