Tripura DGP Anurag death probe: CM Saha vows strict action, truth will emerge
Synopsis
Tripura's top cop was found dead in his own office washroom — and months later, the truth remains elusive. CM Manik Saha told the assembly a 10-member team is sifting through forensic reports, CCTV footage, and call records, but the opposition is not buying it, demanding a High Court judge oversee the probe into one of the most sensitive deaths in the state's recent history.
Key Takeaways
CM Manik Saha told the Tripura Assembly on 28 August that a full investigation into DGP Anurag's death is underway.
The body of DGP Anurag , a 1994-batch IPS officer , was found in the washroom of his official chamber at the state police headquarters on 20 July .
A 10-member investigating team led by SP Namit Pathak is examining forensic reports, CCTV footage, call records, and digital evidence; the team has already visited Delhi .
The probe is monitored by IGP (Law and Order) Manchak Ipper .
Congress, CPI-M, and CPI are demanding a judicial inquiry supervised by a sitting Tripura High Court judge .
Anurag's tenure as DGP was scheduled to last until 17 May 2027 ; he had taken charge on 17 May 2025 .
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha told the state assembly on Thursday, 28 August that the government is conducting a thorough investigation into the death of state Director General of Police Anurag, and that anyone found guilty of wrongdoing would face strict legal action. Saha, who also holds the Home department portfolio, made the statement on the first day of the Monsoon session of the Tripura Assembly.
Key Developments in the Investigation
The probe is being closely monitored by Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Manchak Ipper. The investigating team has already visited Delhi as part of the inquiry. According to CM Saha, the team will examine post-mortem and forensic reports, digital evidence, mobile call records, electronic devices, CCTV footage, and other relevant documents to determine the circumstances surrounding the DGP's death.
'The team would examine the post-mortem and forensic reports, digital evidence, mobile call records, various electronic devices, CCTV footage, documents and other relevant materials to ascertain the circumstances and reasons behind the DGP's death,' Saha told the House. He also urged all parties not to speculate on the matter before the investigation concludes.
Who Was DGP Anurag
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 in Agartala on 20 July. He had assumed charge as Tripura's DGP on 17 May 2025, after previously serving as the state's Director General of Police (Intelligence). His tenure was scheduled to continue until 17 May 2027.
The 10-Member Investigation Team
Following the incident, then-Acting DGP G.S. Rao on 24 July constituted a three-member probe team led by West Tripura district Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak. The team was later expanded to 10 members under Pathak's leadership, including West Tripura Additional Superintendent of Police (Urban) Dhruba Nath, Tripura Police Crime Branch Additional Superintendent of Police Souvik De, officers-in-charge of the Cyber Crime Police Station, Amtali Police Station, and West Agartala Women Police Station, along with in-charges of 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 the reconstituted team.
Opposition Demands and Assembly Tension
The Tripura Assembly witnessed heated exchanges on Thursday, with Opposition Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) members accusing the government of blocking discussion on the issue. The Congress, CPI-M, CPI, and several other political parties have been demanding a judicial inquiry monitored by a sitting judge of the Tripura High Court since 20 July. Separate protest rallies have also been organised by Left parties and the Congress pressing for a High Court-supervised investigation.
As the probe widens and political pressure mounts, all eyes are on whether the investigation's findings will satisfy opposition demands for judicial oversight.
Point of View
And the government's insistence on an internal police probe — rather than a judicial one — is a political choice as much as a procedural one. The opposition's demand for High Court oversight is not unreasonable given the seniority of the deceased and the opaque circumstances. CM Saha's floor statement, while reassuring in tone, offers no timeline and no independent accountability mechanism. The longer the investigation drags without credible findings, the harder it becomes for the government to deflect demands for external scrutiny.
NationPress
28 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Tripura DGP Anurag die?
DGP Anurag's body was found under mysterious circumstances in the washroom attached to his official chamber at the Tripura state police headquarters in Agartala on 20 July 2025. The exact cause of death is still under investigation.
What is the current status of the DGP Anurag death probe?
A 10-member team led by West Tripura SP Namit Pathak is conducting the investigation, examining forensic reports, CCTV footage, mobile call records, and digital evidence. The team has already visited Delhi as part of the inquiry, and the probe is monitored by IGP Manchak Ipper.
Why is the opposition demanding a judicial inquiry into DGP Anurag's death?
Congress, CPI-M, and CPI argue that an internal police investigation is insufficient given the seniority of the deceased and the sensitive nature of the case. They have been demanding a High Court-monitored judicial inquiry since 20 July and have held separate protest rallies to press their demand.
Who was DGP Anurag and how long had he served as Tripura's police chief?
Anurag was a 1994-batch IPS officer of the Tripura cadre who took charge as the state's Director General of Police on 17 May 2025, after serving as DGP (Intelligence). His tenure was scheduled to continue until 17 May 2027.
What did CM Manik Saha say in the Tripura Assembly about the case?
Speaking on the first day of the Monsoon session on 28 August, CM Saha said the investigation is comprehensive and that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of wrongdoing. He urged all parties not to speculate on the matter before the probe concludes.
