There are certain articles in a journalist’s life that one never wishes to write. This piece on the untimely death of Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar ( 1994 Batch IPS) is one such painful article.
To me, Anurag Dhankar was not just the DGP of the state of Tripura. Through my long career in journalism, I had the opportunity to observe and know him closely. He was an extremely courteous, humble, composed, and simple human being, a genuinely gentleman.
I never saw any trace of arrogance in him despite the high office he held. From an ordinary journalist to a constable, he spoke to everyone with the same warmth and respect. He hailed from a remote village in Uttar Pradesh and therefore easily understood the hardships of ordinary people. Even in the most difficult situations, I never saw him lose his composure.
In short, Besides being an efficient administrator, he was an extraordinarily good human being.
Today, that man is no more. On July 20, 2026, he died by suicide by hanging himself in the bathroom of his office using a dupatta belonging to his wife. The man who bore the highest responsibility for maintaining law and order in Tripura, who had worked with dedication, honesty, and professionalism for more than three decades since 1995 to ensure the safety of the people of Tripura and the country, was given a Guard of Honour by the State on July 21, 2026. The State Government observed mourning, countless fellow officers bid him farewell with tears in their eyes, and Tripura Chief Secretary JK Sinha, IAS wept over his sudden demise. Yet, amid all this, one question continues to trouble the minds of the people of Tripura: how did such an officer die by hanging? That too, inside the bathroom of his own office?
Irrespective of political affiliations,everyone agrees that Anurag Dhankar had a distinguished career. A 1994 batch IPS officer of the Tripura cadre, he discharged every responsibility with dedication, from SDPO to DGP. He served in the CBI, CISF, the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo, headed the SIT in the reinvestigated cases of 1984 anti-Sikh riots, and also played an important role in the investigation of the Punjab National Bank fraud involving Nirav Modi.
The death of such a skilled investigating officer has itself become a mystery today. In particular, his unnatural death inside the bathroom of his own office has naturally raised numerous questions. These questions do not arise out of any political motive but from the natural curiosity of a citizen and the expectation of justice.
So far, various media reports have stated that two of his mobile phones are yet to be traced. While there has been considerable discussion surrounding an alleged suicide note, the investigating agencies have not yet officially confirmed its existence. Forensic experts have conducted a preliminary examination of the scene and have stated that their final opinion will depend on the post-mortem findings and scientific examination. A few days before his death, he had attended a meeting with the Union Home Minister in Delhi along with the Superintendents of Police of the border districts. Although various sources have claimed that he had been under mental stress since returning from that visit, no government agency has yet reached any definite conclusion on these issues.
None of these pieces of information are established facts. They are all matters of investigation. That is precisely why what is most needed today is an investigation in which the public can have complete confidence.
Acting DGP GS Rao has announced the formation of an investigation committee comprising several senior police officers. Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha has also assured that every aspect will be investigated in accordance with the law and the truth will be brought to light. BJP State President Abhishek Debroy has likewise stated that every issue, including the alleged suicide note, will come under investigation. These assurances must now be translated into reality.
However, Leader of the Opposition and CPIM State General Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury and Senior Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman are demanding a judicial inquiry under the leadership of the Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court. They believe that he was under immense professional pressure and that his inability to bear that pressure led him to choose the path of suicide. According to them, the BJP government has not allowed officers and bureaucrats in Tripura to function independently. They allege that the interference of a former police officer influenced all of his decisions. In their view, the backbone of the police force has been completely broken.
In my opinion, the State Government should accord the highest priority to investigating these allegations and the mysterious death of the DGP. All scientific evidence connected with the incident must be preserved. The two missing mobile phones should be recovered at the earliest and their digital data thoroughly analysed. CCTV footages of his office and residence, call records, emails, forensic reports, post-mortem findings, and the statements of every individual who came into contact with him before and after the incident must be examined with the highest level of professionalism. If necessary, his wife may also be questioned, because after her husband’s death she did not respond to any questions from media representatives despite repeated attempts. Although many opposition leaders have alleged that she was not allowed to speak to the media. Therefore, the investigation must be conducted in such a manner that all allegations, suspicions, and counterclaims are thoroughly examined, leaving no room for future doubts. If necessary, in the interest of restoring complete public confidence, the Government may also legally consider the possibility of a broader or independent investigation.
This investigation is not against any individual, any political party, or any institution. Nor is it solely for ensuring justice to a deceased IPS officer. Just as we have a responsibility towards his family, we also have a responsibility to preserve the morale of the entire Tripura Police force. Police personnel, too, have the right to know how and why their leader met such an untimely death. Our foremost duty is towards his colleagues, so that in the future no one can point a finger and say that the mysterious death of the DGP of this state was never properly investigated.
Most importantly,
Anurag Dhankar’s death has taught us another important lesson. Behind every uniform is a human being. He too had mental stress, family problems, administrative challenges, and personal emotions. Therefore, the mental well-being of police personnel and senior administrative officers must now receive far greater attention. Seeking medical assistance for mental health is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it is one of the biggest lifestyle diseases of our time, and it deserves the highest priority.
Anurag Dhankar spent his entire career striving to ensure justice for others. Today, the time has come to ensure justice for him by uncovering the truth behind his own death.
The Guard of Honour accorded by the State, the one day of State mourning, and the tears shed by thousands of people are all expressions of profound respect for him. But the greatest tribute Tripura can pay to him will be a fearless, impartial, transparent, scientific, and expeditious investigation that answers every question and places the truth before the people.
Anurag Dhankar will never return. But if the truth comes to light, it will, to some extent, ease the pain of his loved ones as well as his police force, restore people’s faith in the Government of Tripura, and convince future generations that in Tripura the truth is never suppressed, no one is above the law, and a dutiful police officer was not denied justice even after his death.
Tribute, Anurag Dhankar. May your soul rest in peace. And may truth prevail.
(The author is a senior journalist and Editor of Tripurainfo.)
