Tripura DGP death investigation is expected to provide clearer answers soon, with the officer leading the probe saying on Friday, August 14, that the facts surrounding the death of former Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar will be known “very shortly”. Investigators are examining technical inputs and scientific evidence as they work to establish what happened inside the senior officer’s chamber at the Police Headquarters in Agartala.
Dhankar, a 1994-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, was found dead in the washroom attached to his official chamber on July 20. His death initially triggered reports of suspected suicide, but authorities have stressed that the circumstances must be established through forensic and investigative procedures before any final conclusion is drawn.
Tripura DGP death investigation reaches crucial stage
The Tripura DGP death case was registered as an unnatural death following the incident. Police subsequently constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the circumstances surrounding Dhankar’s death.
The initial three-member team was headed by West Tripura Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak. Additional SP (Urban) Dhruba Nath and Sub-Inspector Subhojit Deb, who was already investigating the case, were appointed as members. The team was authorised to seek assistance from the Crime Branch and Cyber Crime Unit whenever required.
The investigation was later expanded to include seven more officers, taking the SIT’s strength to 10. The expanded team includes personnel from the Cyber Crime Unit and several police stations, along with an instructor from the KTD Singh Police Training Academy. Investigators have also been instructed to maintain confidentiality and submit regular progress reports.
Digital and forensic evidence under scrutiny
A major part of the Tripura DGP death investigation involves scientific and technical evidence. Police earlier seized electronic devices used by Dhankar, including his mobile phone, laptop and personal computer. These were to be examined at the State Forensic Science Laboratory in Narsingarh.
Investigators are also examining evidence collected from the scene and other circumstances surrounding the death. The emphasis on scientific evidence is significant because officials have maintained that the precise circumstances cannot be determined from preliminary observations alone.
The latest statement from the probe officer indicates that investigators believe the process is moving closer to a clearer picture. However, the statement does not by itself establish the cause of death or confirm any particular theory.
Questions remain over circumstances of death
The Tripura DGP death has continued to attract public and political attention because of the circumstances in which Dhankar was found. He was discovered inside the washroom attached to his office chamber after colleagues reportedly became concerned when he did not respond.
Doctors at Agartala Government Medical College and Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital attempted resuscitation after Dhankar was brought to the hospital without detectable vital signs. He was declared dead at 12:48 pm. Medical authorities said the exact cause would require post-mortem examination.
Forensic authorities had indicated that the case appeared prima facie to be suicide, while also stressing that the final findings would depend on post-mortem and forensic evidence. This distinction remains important as investigators continue to examine the case.
Opposition seeks judicial inquiry
The Tripura DGP death investigation has also become a political issue. Opposition parties, including the CPI(M) and Congress, have repeatedly demanded an independent inquiry monitored by a sitting judge of the Tripura High Court.
The CPI(M) has said it does not have confidence in the police investigation and has urged the Governor to consider a judicial probe. The party has argued that independent oversight would help address public concerns and establish confidence in the findings.
The Congress has also questioned the credibility of the police-led inquiry and called for a High Court judge-led investigation. The state government, meanwhile, has continued with the police SIT and has not announced a separate judicial inquiry.
Dhankar’s distinguished policing career
The Tripura DGP death investigation concerns the death of an officer with a long and distinguished career. Dhankar became Tripura DGP in May 2025 after serving as DGP (Intelligence) and holding other senior positions in the state.
He also spent years with the Central Bureau of Investigation and was associated with major investigations, including the Punjab National Bank fraud case involving fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi. He also worked on the reinvestigation of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and served with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo.
His death prompted a state mourning and widespread tributes from political leaders, senior officials and police personnel. His last rites were performed with full state honours in Baraut, Uttar Pradesh, on July 22.
The latest assurance from investigators that the facts will emerge shortly could mark an important stage in the Tripura DGP death case. For now, authorities are continuing to rely on forensic findings, technical evidence and the wider investigation to determine exactly what happened. With political demands for greater oversight continuing, the final findings are likely to face close public scrutiny.
Nathu La Trade Resumes: India-China Border Trade Through Sikkim Pass Restarts After Six-Year Hiatus