Tripura Police has formed a probe committee to investigate
DGP Anurag Dhankar
‘s death after the preliminary post-mortem confirmed hanging. Acting DGP G.S. Rao assured a lawful and transparent investigation as forensic reports remain pending amid growing public and political scrutiny.
Tripura Police has announced the formation of a formal probe committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar after the preliminary post-mortem report confirmed death due to hanging. Acting Director General of Police G.S. Rao made the announcement on Tuesday, assuring that the investigation would be carried out strictly in accordance with the law.
The development comes amid widespread public attention and increasing demands from political parties and citizens for transparency after Dhankar was found dead inside the washroom attached to his office chamber at the Police Headquarters in Agartala.
Addressing reporters after paying his respects to the late officer, Acting DGP Rao described the incident as deeply unfortunate and said the entire police force remained shocked by the sudden loss. He stated that a committee comprising senior police officers would soon begin examining every aspect of the case to ensure a fair and comprehensive investigation.
Rao also informed that a three-member police team, including Inspector General (Law and Order) M. Ipper, Traffic Superintendent of Police Kanta Jangir, and the Commandant of the 2nd Battalion of the Tripura State Rifles, accompanied Dhankar’s mortal remains to Uttar Pradesh, where his last rites are scheduled to be performed on Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, Cabinet Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, senior ministers, MLAs, and top government officials gathered at the State Secretariat to pay their final respects to the late DGP.
Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha described Dhankar’s death as an irreparable loss for both the Tripura Police and the state administration. Recalling his last interaction with the officer during the police passing-out parade on July 18, the Chief Minister praised Dhankar’s honesty, dedication, and distinguished career in public service.
Dr. Saha said he had complete confidence in Dhankar’s leadership after his appointment as the state’s Director General of Police and believed that law and order would remain strong under his command. He also revealed that he was informed about the tragic incident while attending an official meeting and immediately rushed to the Police Headquarters along with the Chief Secretary and other senior officials.
According to the Chief Minister, Dhankar was found in a hanging condition inside the washroom near his official chamber. Officials waited for the forensic team to complete the required procedures before the body was recovered.
The Chief Minister confirmed that the preliminary post-mortem report indicated death due to hanging, while the final medical opinion will depend on detailed forensic examination and additional reports that are still awaited. He assured that every legal procedure would be followed during the investigation.
Forensic experts recovered a dupatta, believed to have been used in the incident, from the washroom. Investigators observed that there was no ceiling fan inside the washroom and that a metal rod fixed to the wall was allegedly used as the hanging point.
Tripura Forensic Science Director H.K. Patihari stated that the case prima facie appeared to be one of suicide but emphasized that the final conclusion would only be reached after the complete post-mortem findings and forensic analysis are available.
According to sources, Dhankar arrived at his office around 10 a.m. and instructed his orderly not to allow visitors for approximately an hour. When he did not come out, officials repeatedly knocked on the door before calling a carpenter to break open the locked washroom.
The body was later shifted to GBP Hospital after senior government officials supervised the necessary formalities. Sources also said that two mobile phones belonging to Dhankar have not yet been traced, adding another aspect to the ongoing investigation.
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Meanwhile, opposition parties have demanded an independent inquiry and questioned why no Special Investigation Team (SIT) or judicial inquiry has been constituted. They have maintained that only a comprehensive and impartial investigation can establish the complete facts surrounding the incident.
Police personnel paid their final respects to the late DGP at the State Police Headquarters before the body was taken to the State Secretariat and later transported to the airport for its journey to New Delhi and subsequently to his hometown in Uttar Pradesh, where his last rites will be held on Wednesday.
