Tripura Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman on Sunday criticised the state government’s decision to entrust the investigation into the death of DGP Anurag Dhankar to a police team, alleging that the move would not ensure a fair and impartial probe. He demanded that the case be investigated by a sitting judge of the Tripura High Court.

The Tripura Police chief was found dead at the State Police Headquarters on July 20, following which the Congress had demanded a judicial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death. However, the government later constituted a police investigation team headed by an officer of SP rank.

Speaking at a press conference at Pradesh Congress Bhavan, Roy Barman, along with Tripura Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha, alleged that a police-led investigation could face limitations and questioned whether it would be able to examine all aspects of the case independently.

“The inquiry team formed by the government appears to be an attempt to create an impression of investigation rather than uncovering the truth. People want a transparent and unbiased probe,” Roy Barman said.

He questioned the circumstances leading to the DGP’s death and said several unanswered questions have created doubts among the public. The Congress MLA also raised concerns over whether the possibility of foul play could be completely ruled out without an independent investigation.

Roy Barman further questioned if an SP-level officer would be able to investigate sensitive issues, including possible external pressure or other factors that may have contributed to the incident.

He urged Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha to reconsider the decision and order a probe under a High Court judge to ensure public confidence and reveal the truth behind the death of the state police chief.

The Congress leaders also raised questions over certain incidents allegedly linked to the DGP before his death and demanded that all related matters be thoroughly examined during the investigation.