Senior Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman rejected the state-appointed SIT, termed it an “eyewash”, and demanded a judicial inquiry headed by a sitting High Court judge over the death of Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar.
Quick Glance
- Congress rejects the SIT formed to probe DGP Anurag Dhankar’s death.
- Sudip Roy Barman demands a judicial inquiry by a sitting High Court judge.
- Congress alleges the SIT cannot conduct an independent investigation.
- Roy Barman says the circumstances of the DGP’s death remain unclear.
- The party urges the Tripura High Court to take suo motu cognisance.
- Congress says it will continue its democratic campaign for an independent probe.
Agartala: The Congress on Sunday demanded a judicial inquiry into the death of Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar. The party rejected the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the state government and claimed it would not ensure a fair investigation.
Senior Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman made the demand during a press conference at the Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) headquarters. TPCC President Ashish Kumar Saha and party General Secretary Prashanta Sen Chowdhury also attended the briefing.
Congress Questions Independence of SIT
Roy Barman alleged that the SIT was created only to divert public attention.
“The SIT is an eyewash. It will not allow a free and impartial investigation. Administrative pressure will influence the inquiry. The government has formed this committee to suppress important facts,” he alleged.
He argued that an officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) cannot independently investigate a case involving the state’s highest-ranking police officer.
According to him, only a judicial inquiry led by a sitting High Court judge can inspire public confidence.
‘Several Questions Remain Unanswered’
Roy Barman said the circumstances surrounding Dhankar’s death have created confusion across Tripura.
“The Police Headquarters is one of the most secure places in the state. Yet an unnatural death has taken place there. People are asking whether it was murder or suicide,” he said.
He claimed that several aspects of the case do not match what is generally expected in a suicide case.
“If it was suicide, many expected indicators should have been present. Those issues have raised serious questions,” he said.
However, Roy Barman did not present evidence to support these allegations.
Congress Seeks Probe by Sitting High Court Judge
The Congress MLA urged Chief Minister Manik Saha to order a judicial inquiry instead of relying on the SIT.
“What is the government’s objection to a judicial probe? If there is nothing to hide, why not hand the investigation to a sitting High Court judge?” he asked.
He also appealed to the Tripura High Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter.
Roy Barman said an independent judicial investigation would remove public doubts and establish the facts.
Questions Raised Over Fairness of Investigation
The Congress leader questioned whether an SP-led investigation could examine every possible angle without outside influence.
He argued that investigators working under the state administration may face limitations while probing a sensitive case.
He also asked whether the investigation could freely examine the role of any senior functionary if required.
Roy Barman did not provide evidence for these claims.
Anurag Described as Honest and Efficient Officer
Roy Barman described Anurag Dhankar as one of the country’s most efficient and honest police officers.
“We have lost an efficient, honourable and dynamic officer. His family and the people of Tripura deserve to know the truth,” he said.
He repeatedly referred to the case as a “mysterious death” and insisted that the investigation should remain completely independent.
Congress Recalls Previous Cases
Roy Barman also referred to the death of tribal leader Sukhram Debbarma during the Left Front regime.
He claimed that earlier investigations in controversial cases failed to satisfy the public.
He said the present case should not meet the same fate.
Appeal to Journalists
Roy Barman urged journalists to independently verify developments inside the Police Headquarters.
He asked the media to speak to police personnel and other officials to understand the sequence of events leading to Dhankar’s death.
He also indicated that the Congress could disclose additional information in future press conferences.
Political Pressure Mounts
The Tripura government has already constituted an SIT to investigate the death of DGP Anurag Dhankar. The Opposition, however, continues to question the credibility of the probe.
The Congress said it would continue its democratic campaign until the government orders a judicial inquiry headed by a sitting High Court judge.
The death of the state’s top police officer has become a major political issue in Tripura. While the investigation continues, opposition parties have intensified their demand for greater transparency and an independent inquiry.
