The Tripura Cabinet on Monday expressed profound grief over the demise of Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar and announced a one-day state mourning on July 21 as a mark of respect to the senior IPS officer.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the State Cabinet, where members observed a two-minute silence in memory of the late police chief. The Cabinet paid tribute to Dhankar’s distinguished career and acknowledged his significant contribution to policing and public administration in Tripura and across the country.

As part of the state mourning, the government announced that the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings where it is regularly hoisted throughout the day on Tuesday. The government also stated that no official entertainment programmes will be held during the mourning period.

Dhankar, a 1994-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Tripura cadre, began his career in the state in 1995 as a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO). Over nearly three decades of service, he held several important assignments in the state police before assuming charge as the Director General of Police.

The Cabinet also recalled his distinguished service at the national and international levels. During his career, Dhankar served with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, gaining valuable international policing experience. He also held key positions in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), contributing to policing, investigation and security administration at the national level.

Recognising his exemplary service, the Cabinet noted that Dhankar had been honoured with the Police Medal for Meritorious Service and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, two of the country’s highest honours for police personnel.

The Cabinet described his demise as a significant loss to the Tripura Police, the state administration and the nation. Members conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

The state government said Dhankar’s dedication, professionalism and commitment to public service would be remembered with respect and gratitude, and his contributions to policing would continue to inspire future generations of officers.