Tripura DGP Anurag Dhankar found dead at police headquarters, probe underway

AGARTALA, July 21, 2026 — Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar, a 1994-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, was found dead under mysterious circumstances at the state police headquarters in Agartala on Monday, sending shockwaves through the police establishment and the state administration. Authorities have launched an investigation while awaiting the post-mortem report to ascertain the exact cause of death.

According to officials, Dhankar was found inside the bathroom attached to his office chamber after colleagues became concerned about his whereabouts. He was immediately rushed to the Agartala Government Medical College and Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. Medical authorities said the cause of death would be determined only after the post-mortem examination.

Police have not officially disclosed the circumstances surrounding the incident, and no formal statement has been issued confirming the cause of death. While some media reports have cited preliminary findings suggesting suicide, officials have maintained that the investigation is continuing and have urged against speculation until forensic and post-mortem findings are available.

Dhankar assumed charge as Tripura's Director General of Police in May 2025 after serving as DGP (Intelligence). During his distinguished career, he spent several years on central deputation with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), where he held senior positions and led investigations into several high-profile cases, including the Punjab National Bank fraud involving fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi. He also chaired the Special Investigation Team constituted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to reinvestigate the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and served with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo.

The sudden death of the state's top police officer has drawn condolences from political leaders, senior officials and members of the police fraternity. The Tripura government is expected to announce further arrangements after the completion of legal formalities.

Meanwhile, investigators are examining all aspects of the case, and officials have said further details will be made available after the post-mortem report and the completion of the preliminary inquiry.