Anurag Dhankar was a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 1994 batch from the Tripura cadre. He served as Director General of Police (DGP) of Tripura until his untimely death in July 2026. Born in a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district, he rose through the ranks over three decades with postings across state police roles, central deputation in premier agencies like the CBI, and international assignments.
His career stood out for hands-on leadership in law and order, intelligence, high-profile investigations, and police reforms. Colleagues and officials remembered him as a dedicated, professional, and experienced officer who contributed significantly to security and anti-crime efforts in Tripura and nationally.
Early Life of Anurag Dhankar
Anurag Dhankar hailed from Biharipur village in Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh. He came from a respected family and spent his early years in the rural setting of western Uttar Pradesh.
He completed his primary education in the village school. For further studies, he attended an Inter College in Saroorpur Khedki. He earned a B.Sc. in Agriculture from Janta Vedic College in Baraut.
Friends from his school days recalled him as an excellent volleyball player. Before fully committing to civil services preparation, he worked as a field officer in a bank around 1988. This period built discipline and perseverance that helped him clear the demanding civil services examination.
He joined the Indian Police Service in 1994. His roots in Uttar Pradesh shaped a grounded approach to public service, emphasizing practical problem-solving in challenging environments.
Education of Anurag Dhankar
Anurag Dhankar pursued diverse academic interests that supported his policing career. He held a postgraduate degree in Food Technology from the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore.
He earned a Master’s degree in Police Management from Osmania University. He also obtained a postgraduate diploma in Cyber Crimes from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. Additionally, he became a Certified Fraud Examiner from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), USA.
These qualifications equipped him with expertise in scientific analysis, management, cyber threats, and financial investigations. His educational background proved valuable in handling complex cases involving economic offenses and modern policing challenges.
Career of Anurag Dhankar
Anurag Dhankar’s career spanned over 30 years with a mix of field assignments, leadership roles, and specialized investigations. He demonstrated commitment to service in Tripura and at the national level.
Early Service in Tripura
He joined service in Tripura in 1995 and served there until 2003. He held positions such as Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Longtharai Valley and Superintendent of Police (SP) of the undivided West and South Tripura districts. He also served as Superintendent of Police, Special Branch, and Assistant Inspector General of Police (Headquarters).
These roles gave him deep knowledge of the state’s terrain, border issues, and local law-and-order dynamics.
International Assignment
In 2003-04, Anurag Dhankar served with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo. This exposure to international peacekeeping broadened his perspective on conflict management and multi-agency coordination.
Central Deputation and CBI Tenure
From 2005 to 2013, he was on central deputation and served as Superintendent of Police and Deputy Inspector General in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He later held senior positions including Joint Director and Additional Director in the CBI during subsequent deputations.
Notably, he led investigations in high-profile cases, including aspects of the Punjab National Bank fraud linked to Nirav Modi. He supervised work in the Banking Securities and Fraud Cell.
Return to Tripura and State Leadership
After central deputation, he served as Inspector General of Police (Law & Order) in Tripura from 2013 to 2016. He contributed to maintaining stability and improving police operations in the state.
From 2016 to 2023, he returned to central deputation. He worked as Inspector General (Research and Correctional Administration) in the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), focusing on reforms and modernization. He also served as Inspector General (Personnel) in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Higher Leadership Roles
In September 2023, he assumed charge as Additional Director General of Police, Tripura, and later as Additional DGP (Law & Order). In January 2024, he became Director General of Police (Intelligence) with additional charge. He took over as full DGP of Tripura on May 17, 2025.
As DGP, he oversaw efforts to reduce crime rates, improve conviction rates, and intensify anti-narcotics campaigns. Reports from his tenure highlighted declines in overall crime, including murders and property offenses, and progress in drug seizures.
Other Notable Contributions
He chaired the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Awards of Anurag Dhankar
Anurag Dhankar received the Police Medal for Meritorious Service and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. These honors recognized his long and impactful service.
Personal Life of Anurag Dhankar
Anurag Dhankar was married to Kalpana. The couple had a son, Abhishek, who lives in Canada. He had two brothers: elder brother Vivek Dhankar, a retired Indian Air Force officer, and younger brother Raviraj Dhankar, who runs a business in Baraut. His mother was Ragbiri.
He maintained a low public profile outside professional duties, focusing on family and service.
Legacy and Contributions to Policing
Anurag Dhankar’s career highlighted the value of diverse experience—from rural postings and international missions to high-stakes investigations and policy roles. He contributed to police modernization through BPR&D work and strengthened intelligence and law enforcement in Tripura. His emphasis on conviction rates and anti-drug efforts left a mark on the state’s security framework.
Officials across parties described him as sincere, honest, and efficient. His sudden passing in July 2026 at the Police Headquarters in Agartala shocked the police fraternity and the state. Investigations into the circumstances continue, with preliminary findings noted but full details pending official reports.
Conclusion
Anurag Dhankar dedicated his life to public service and upholding the law. From his beginnings in a Uttar Pradesh village to leading Tripura’s police force, he exemplified perseverance, expertise, and commitment. His contributions in investigations, reforms, and state administration continue to influence policing practices. He leaves behind a legacy of quiet professionalism that inspires future officers.
FAQs
Who was Anurag Dhankar?
Anurag Dhankar was a 1994-batch IPS officer of the Tripura cadre who served as Director General of Police of Tripura.
What was Anurag Dhankar’s date of birth and place of birth?
He was born in Biharipur village, Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh. Specific date details are not widely published, but he was approximately 60 years old at the time of his passing in 2026.
What were Anurag Dhankar’s key educational qualifications?
He held a postgraduate degree in Food Technology from CFTRI Mysore, a Master’s in Police Management from Osmania University, a PG Diploma in Cyber Crimes from NALSAR, and certification as a Fraud Examiner from ACFE, USA.
Which major cases did Anurag Dhankar investigate?
He played a leading role in CBI investigations, including the Punjab National Bank fraud case involving Nirav Modi, and chaired the SIT on 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
What awards did Anurag Dhankar receive?
He was conferred the Police Medal for Meritorious Service and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
Where did Anurag Dhankar serve internationally?
He served in the United Nations Mission in Kosovo during 2003-04.
What was Anurag Dhankar’s family background?
He belonged to a respected family in Biharipur, Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. He is survived by his wife Kalpana, son Abhishek, and brothers Vivek and Raviraj.