Investigation into Tripura DGP Anurag's Mysterious Death Expands to Ten Members

Shillong, India Jul 27, 2026 ALN: The probe into the "mysterious" death of Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag gathered pace as the state police authority expanded the inquiry team from three to ten members to expedite the high-profile investigation, officials said on Monday.

The body of Anurag, a 1994-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Tripura cadre, was found under mysterious circumstances in the washroom attached to his official chamber at the state police headquarters here on July 20. A senior police official said that on July 24, the acting Director General of Police constituted a three-member team, led by West Tripura district’s Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak, to probe the "mysterious" death.

In light of the complexities and public interest surrounding the case, the investigation team has now been expanded to include ten members. This reconstitution aims to enhance the investigation's thoroughness and efficiency. The new team, still under the leadership of SP Pathak, now includes Additional Superintendent of Police, Urban, West Tripura, Dhruba Nath, along with the Officers-in-Charge of various police stations, including Cyber Crime Police Station, Amtali Police Station, West Agartala Women Police Station, and the Battala and Ramnagar Outposts. An Inspector from the KTD Singh Police Training Academy and the previous Investigating Officer, Subhojit Deb, are also part of this expanded team.

The official order outlining the investigation team’s operations emphasizes the necessity of conducting all investigative activities in accordance with the law while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and impartiality. To ensure a systematic approach, daily briefing meetings will be held in the mornings to review progress, discuss developments, assign tasks, and formulate strategies for the investigation. Evening debriefing meetings will also take place to assess the day's progress and plan future actions.

This structured approach is intended to ensure that the investigation remains focused and that all team members are kept informed of the latest developments. A daily progress report detailing the investigation conducted, evidence collected, technical analysis undertaken, and proposed further actions will be submitted to the Superintendent of Police, West Tripura, for close monitoring and supervision. Additionally, a weekly progress report will be consolidated every Saturday and submitted to the Inspector General of Police, Law and Order.

The mysterious circumstances surrounding Anurag's death have sparked significant public and political interest. Congress Working Committee (CWC) member and former Tripura Minister Sudip Roy Barman has reiterated the party’s demand for a judicial inquiry, specifically monitored by a sitting judge of the Tripura High Court. He emphasized that the death of the state’s senior-most police officer is a matter of utmost concern, not only for Tripura but for the entire country, asserting that the situation warrants a thorough investigation beyond the state police's capabilities.

Roy Barman expressed his belief that the circumstances of Anurag's death are highly suspicious, even going so far as to state, "We believe it is a case of murder." His comments reflect a broader sentiment among the public and police personnel, who are calling for transparency and accountability in the investigation. The former minister's remarks suggest that if the state government, led by Chief Minister Manik Saha, were to suppress the investigation, it would raise serious questions about the government’s integrity and commitment to justice.

The opposition parties, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), the Communist Party of India (CPI), and several other political entities, have joined in demanding a judicial inquiry. These parties have organized separate protest rallies in Tripura, advocating for a High Court-monitored investigation into the incident. The collective call for an independent inquiry underscores the political ramifications of Anurag's death, as it has become a focal point for opposition parties seeking to challenge the ruling government.

In terms of Anurag's professional background, he was cremated with full state honors at his ancestral town of Baraut in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district on July 22. His son, Abhishek, lit the funeral pyre in the presence of family members, senior police officers, and hundreds of mourners, highlighting the respect and admiration he garnered throughout his career.

Anurag had assumed the role of Tripura’s DGP on May 17, 2025, succeeding Amitabh Ranjan, a 1988-batch IPS officer. His career was marked by numerous significant roles, including serving as the Director General of Police, Intelligence. He had also worked with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo and held key positions in central agencies, such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), where he served as Joint Director and Additional Director. Additionally, he contributed to the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

One of his notable achievements was leading the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to investigate the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, a challenging and sensitive assignment that showcased his capabilities as a senior law enforcement officer. Anurag's tenure as DGP was scheduled to continue until May 17, 2027, suggesting that he had plans for further contributions to the state's law enforcement landscape.

The investigation into his death not only holds implications for the immediate circumstances surrounding the incident but also raises broader questions about the safety and security of law enforcement officers in the region. As the inquiry unfolds, it will be crucial for the authorities to address public concerns and ensure that the investigation is conducted thoroughly and transparently. The outcome of this case may have lasting effects on public trust in the police and the government, especially in a state where political tensions are already high.

As the investigation continues, all eyes will be on the findings and the responses from both the state government and the public. The demand for justice in Anurag's case not only reflects a quest for truth regarding his death but also serves as a barometer for the current political climate in Tripura and the effectiveness of its law enforcement agencies.