Investigation – Forensic Analysis Ordered After Tripura Police Chief’s Death
Investigation –The investigation into the death of Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar has entered a crucial stage, with investigators preparing to conduct a detailed forensic examination of all electronic devices used by the senior police officer. Officials said the analysis is expected to help investigators understand the circumstances surrounding his death and identify any relevant digital evidence.
Electronic Devices Sent for Scientific Examination
According to officials associated with the investigation, Dhankar’s mobile phone, laptop, and personal computer have been taken into custody and will be examined at the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) in Narsingarh, West Tripura. Investigators believe that digital records stored on these devices may provide important clues about the events leading up to the incident.
An unnatural death case has already been registered, and the inquiry is progressing under standard legal procedures. The investigating team stated that the forensic examination could take nearly six weeks before the findings become available for review.
Investigation to Depend on Post-Mortem Findings
Investigating officer Subhrajit Deb said the direction of the inquiry will become clearer once the post-mortem report is received. If the medical examination concludes that the death was a case of suicide, investigators will then focus on identifying the factors and circumstances that may have contributed to the decision.
Officials stressed that every aspect of the case will be examined carefully before drawing any conclusions, with both forensic and medical evidence expected to play a significant role in the investigation.
Events Before the Discovery of the Body
Preliminary information gathered during the inquiry indicates that Dhankar had instructed staff members not to allow visitors into his office until 11 a.m. on Monday. Assistant Inspector General of Police Prabir Majumder reportedly arrived to meet the DGP during that period but was informed that entry was not permitted.
After a considerable amount of time passed without Dhankar returning to his office desk, staff members became concerned. When repeated attempts to reach him received no response, they entered the chamber and found the attached washroom locked from inside. The door was then forced open, and the senior police officer was discovered hanging inside, officials said.
Opposition Renews Call for Judicial Inquiry
The incident has prompted renewed demands from the Opposition for an independent judicial investigation. Tripura Assembly Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury questioned the circumstances surrounding the death and urged the state government to order a judicial probe.
In a public statement, the CPI(M) leader said it was difficult to believe that a police officer with decades of experience in handling challenging situations would take such a step without significant reasons. He also claimed that Dhankar had been under mental stress and said an impartial inquiry was necessary to establish the complete sequence of events.
Legal Voices Seek Independent Scrutiny
The matter has also drawn attention from members of the legal community. Senior Tripura High Court advocate Somik Deb called for a thorough examination of every aspect of the case and suggested that the court may consider taking suo motu cognisance if required.
He observed that while initial indications point towards suicide, investigators must determine what circumstances may have led to such an outcome. According to him, only a comprehensive and transparent investigation can answer the questions raised following the unexpected death of the state’s highest-ranking police officer.
Final Rites in Uttar Pradesh
Anurag Dhankar, a 1994-batch Indian Police Service officer, was found dead inside his chamber at the state police headquarters in Agartala on Monday. His mortal remains were transported to Delhi by air ambulance on Tuesday. The final rites are scheduled to take place in his native village of Baraut in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district on Wednesday.