Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha expressed grief over the untimely demise of DGP Anurag Dhankar and said that his dedication, professionalism, and sense of duty in maintaining public safety and law and order will always be remembered. With his untimely demise, the state has lost a skilled and dedicated police officer.

Dr. Saha said this while paying his last respects to the late Director General of State Police at the Secretariat premises today.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Saha, who is also the Home Minister of the state, said that DGP Anurag Dhankar was a 1994-batch IPS (Indian Police Service) officer. “After taking charge as the DG of Police, I had immense trust and confidence in him.

“Since he was in charge, there was no problem with the law and order situation. I was completely confident that he was there. We all know about his success in his workplace. He has carried out his duties and left behind proof of what professional responsibility means. I attended the passing-out parade of Tripura Police on July 18. I had a very nice conversation with him there as well. I spoke after his speech. But I could never have imagined such an incident happening after that,” he said.

The Chief Minister said, “I was in a meeting yesterday when a senior police officer informed me about the incident. Immediately, I, along with the Chief Secretary and other senior officials, rushed to the Police Headquarters. In the meantime, you know what happened. I went to his office and found out that he was still inside the bathroom. Later, when the forensic team arrived and started their work, we came out.”

Dr. Saha said that the DGP was truly an extraordinary person.

“The responsibility of maintaining law and order across the entire state was entrusted to him. Since he took charge, we were proud of the law and order situation. I used to say everywhere that law and order in Tripura was in a good position. He was a very decent person. Whenever we spoke to him, it was always very cordial. We met and spoke with him for the last time on the 18th. Then came this heartbreaking incident, which there are no words to describe,” said Dr. Saha.

The Chief Minister said that the initial autopsy report received yesterday revealed that he died due to hanging.

“I do not think the void created by his absence can be filled very soon. It was possible because he was with me during the process of running the government and gave me the confidence that everything was in good hands. Officers and employees at all levels are saddened and shocked by this tragic incident. There is nothing more to say about this. I think it is very necessary to stand by his family at this moment. I pray to God to give them the strength to overcome this situation. I pray for the peace of his departed soul,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said that whatever action is required will be taken according to the law in the wake of this tragic incident.

Today, members of the state cabinet and senior administrative officers were present at the Secretariat premises to pay their last respects to the late DGP.