Investigation into Former Tripura DGP Anurag Dhankhar's Death Expands with New Officers

Expansion of Investigation Team

Agartala, July 27 - The investigation into the death of Anurag Dhankhar, the former Director General of Police (DGP) of Tripura, has seen the addition of seven more officials to the team. This information was disclosed in an order issued by Namit Pathak, the Superintendent of Police (SP) for West Tripura, on Monday. This decision comes amid demands from the CPI(M) and Congress for a judicial inquiry into Dhankhar's death.

Background of Anurag Dhankhar

Dhankhar, who led the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the ₹13,000 crore scam linked to Punjab National Bank (PNB) and oversaw the re-investigation of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, was found hanging in the toilet of his office at the state police headquarters on July 20. The restructuring of the investigation team, led by SP Namit Pathak, aims to ensure a thorough, coordinated, and prompt inquiry, with the inclusion of seven additional officers.

Daily Meetings for Progress Review

According to the order, daily meetings will be held to review the progress of the investigation, discuss developments in the case, assign responsibilities, and formulate future strategies. All relevant officials are required to submit daily updates on the investigation's progress, collected evidence, technical analyses, and action reports to the SP of West Tripura.

Calls for Judicial Oversight

Earlier on Monday, a delegation from the CPI(M) met with Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu, urging for a high court-monitored investigation into Dhankhar's death. Jitendra Chowdhury, the state secretary of CPI(M), expressed to reporters that it is hard for the public to believe that an officer like Dhankhar, who successfully led several high-profile CBI investigations, could commit suicide in the state's most secure location, his office.

Circumstances Surrounding the Death

His body was discovered in the toilet connected to his office, dressed in uniform, with his cap lying on the floor. Chowdhury noted that just an hour before the incident, Dhankhar participated in the weekly formal guard of honor parade at the police headquarters, showing no signs of stress or distress. He questioned, 'How could an officer responsible for the safety of 4.4 million people take his own life?'

Opposition's Demand for Transparency

There are substantial grounds to question the suicide theory. The CPI(M) delegation has requested the governor to direct the state government to conduct an investigation under the high court's supervision to ensure justice for Dhankhar's family. Chowdhury stated that while they have no objections to the investigation team led by SP Namit Pathak, they insist that the entire inquiry should be monitored by the high court.

Political Reactions

On Sunday, senior Congress legislator Sudip Roy Barman also called for a judicial inquiry into Dhankhar's death. In response to the opposition's demands, BJP legislator Ranjit Das accused the opposition parties of attempting to mislead the public for political gain regarding the unfortunate death of the DGP. Das remarked that both Jitendra Chowdhury and Sudip Roy Barman are trying to confuse people for political advantage concerning Dhankhar's demise.

Commitment to Transparency

The investigation has already commenced with a commitment to complete transparency.