Former Tripura Chief Minister and CPI(M) Politburo member Manik Sarkar on Saturday reiterated his demand for an independent and transparent investigation into the death of former Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar, stating that only a probe monitored by a sitting judge of the Tripura High Court can ensure public confidence in the outcome.

Speaking to reporters, Sarkar said his party had raised the demand for judicial supervision immediately after news of Dhankar's unnatural death emerged. He maintained that the circumstances surrounding the incident warrant a thorough and impartial inquiry.

"Anurag Dhankar's death has shocked everyone. It is important that the truth comes out through a fair, neutral and credible investigation," Sarkar said.

Recalling his professional association with the senior IPS officer, Sarkar said he had observed Dhankar's work over many years while serving in government. He noted that Dhankar had steadily risen through the ranks, serving in key positions including Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Inspector General (Law and Order), before eventually becoming the state's Director General of Police.

The former Chief Minister also referred to what he described as a decline in the law and order situation in Tripura over the past several months. He alleged that increasing public concern over policing may have created administrative pressures and claimed that Dhankar had made efforts to deal with the situation during his tenure.

"In such a situation, the incident should not be treated as an ordinary case. Every aspect must be examined through an independent investigation so that the actual facts are established and accountability is fixed wherever necessary," Sarkar said.

Questioning the state government's decision to constitute an inquiry committee headed by the Superintendent of Police of West Tripura district, Sarkar said that although the government has the authority to order such an investigation, the death of a serving DGP demands a more credible mechanism under judicial supervision.

He further alleged that despite demands from different sections of society for an inquiry monitored by the Chief Justice or a sitting judge of the Tripura High Court, the government has not responded positively. According to Sarkar, such a move would help remove public doubts and ensure complete transparency in the investigation.