Agartala, July 21: The mortal remains of Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar, IPS, were kept at the State Secretariat on Tuesday, where Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, ministers Ratan Lal Nath, Sushanta Chowdhury, Pranajit Singha Roy, senior bureaucrats, police officers and officials from various departments paid their last respects.
Speaking to reporters after offering floral tribute, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha described Dhankar’s death as a personal and irreparable loss for the government and the state police. He recalled that the 1994-batch IPS officer had earned the government’s complete confidence through his professionalism and leadership, particularly in maintaining law and order across Tripura.
The Chief Minister said he had met and spoken with the DGP during the Tripura Police Passing Out Parade on July 18 and found him cheerful and engaged. He said it was impossible to imagine that such a tragic incident would occur just days later.
Recounting the events after receiving the news, Dr. Saha said he immediately rushed to the Police Headquarters along with the Chief Secretary and other senior officials. He noted that the DGP was found hanging inside his office restroom and that the body was removed only after the forensic team completed the required legal procedures.
Calling Dhankar a dedicated and humble officer, the Chief Minister said Tripura had taken pride in its law and order situation under his leadership. He added that replacing an officer of Dhankar’s calibre would be extremely difficult.
Referring to the preliminary post-mortem findings, Dr. Saha said the report indicated death due to hanging. He also confirmed that medical teams had attempted resuscitation before the officer was taken to GBP Hospital, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, the Chief Minister said the government’s immediate priority was to stand beside them during this difficult time. Responding to questions from journalists, he said all legal procedures, including the investigation, would be carried out in accordance with the law. On questions regarding the officer’s mental state, Dr. Saha said he had appeared happy during their last meeting and remarked that “one cannot read another person’s mind.”
The sudden death of DGP Anurag Dhankar has sent shockwaves across Tripura, with tributes continuing to pour in from political leaders, government officials and members of the police fraternity.
