Anurag Dhankar Biography
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 Biharipur village in Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh, he rose through the ranks over three decades to become one of the most experienced police leaders in the state, with deep expertise in law and order, intelligence, border management, and high-profile investigations.
His career combined strong field experience in Tripura with central deputation roles in premier agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He earned a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and effective leadership in challenging environments, including international peacekeeping. Dhankar’s contributions included leading key probes into major financial frauds and heading special investigation teams on historical cases. His service reflected dedication to public safety and institutional strengthening in policing.
Anurag Dhankar Early Life
Anurag Dhankar hailed from Biharipur village in Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh. He came from a respected family in a rural setting. He completed his primary education in the village and studied at an Inter College in Saroorpur Khedki. He later earned a B.Sc. in Agriculture from Janta Vedic College in Baraut.
His exact date of birth is not widely publicized in available records, but given his entry into the IPS in 1994 after working briefly, he was likely born in the late 1960s or early 1970s. Friends from his school days recall him as an excellent volleyball player. Before pursuing civil services, he worked as a field officer in a bank in 1988 while preparing for competitive examinations. This period highlighted his perseverance and commitment to a career in public service.
The rural roots in western Uttar Pradesh shaped his grounded approach to policing. Baghpat and surrounding areas have a mix of agricultural communities, and his early exposure to local challenges likely influenced his focus on practical law enforcement and community-oriented strategies later in his career.
Anurag Dhankar Education
Anurag Dhankar built a strong academic foundation that supported his multifaceted policing career. After his B.Sc. in Agriculture, he pursued advanced qualifications relevant to law enforcement and technical fields. He earned a postgraduate degree in Food Technology from the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysore.
He also held a Master’s degree in Police Management from Osmania University. Additionally, he obtained a postgraduate diploma in Cyber Crimes from NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad. He was a Certified Fraud Examiner from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) in the USA.
These qualifications equipped him with expertise in areas like cyber security, fraud investigation, and modern policing techniques. His educational path combined scientific and technical knowledge with specialized training in police administration, making him well-suited for complex investigations and leadership roles.
Anurag Dhankar State of Origin and Connection to Tripura
Though born and raised in Uttar Pradesh, Anurag Dhankar belonged to the Tripura cadre of the IPS. He joined service in Tripura in 1995 and developed a deep connection with the state over nearly 16 years of direct service there across different phases of his career.
Tripura, a northeastern state bordering Bangladesh, presents unique challenges such as border security, insurgency-related issues in the past, and diverse ethnic dynamics. Dhankar’s long association helped him understand local terrain, communities, and specific law-and-order needs. He served in sensitive districts and built trust through ground-level work. His repeated returns to the state on various assignments underscored his effectiveness in the region.
Anurag Dhankar Career
Anurag Dhankar’s career spanned over three decades and included diverse roles in state policing, central agencies, and international missions. He demonstrated versatility, rising steadily from field officer to the top police position in Tripura.
Early Service in Tripura
Dhankar began his policing journey in Tripura in 1995. He served as Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Longtharai Valley and as Superintendent of Police (SP) of the undivided West and South Tripura districts. He also held positions as Superintendent of Police, Special Branch, and Assistant Inspector General of Police (Headquarters).
These roles involved direct management of law and order, intelligence gathering, and administrative responsibilities in a border state. His work during this period (1995–2003) laid the foundation for his expertise in regional security matters.
International Exposure with UN Mission
In 2003–04, Dhankar served with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo. This peacekeeping assignment exposed him to international policing standards, post-conflict stabilization, and multinational operations. Such experience broadened his perspective on conflict management and community policing in sensitive environments.
Central Deputation and CBI Tenure
From 2005 to 2013, Dhankar was on central deputation with the CBI, serving as Superintendent of Police and Deputy Inspector General. He later held senior positions including Joint Director and Additional Director.
He played a key role in high-profile investigations, notably leading aspects of the probe into the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case involving fugitive businessman Nirav Modi. This multi-thousand crore scam was one of India’s largest financial fraud cases. His work in the Banking Securities and Fraud Cell highlighted his skills in economic offences and complex financial investigations.
He also chaired or contributed to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Return to Tripura and Further Roles
After central deputation, Dhankar served as Inspector General of Police (Law & Order) in Tripura from 2013 to 2016. He focused on maintaining stability and improving police response mechanisms.
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) and as Inspector General (Personnel) in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). These roles involved policy research, training, modernization of police forces, and personnel management in a large paramilitary organization.
Leadership as DGP in Tripura
In September 2023, Dhankar assumed charge as Additional Director General of Police in Tripura and was later posted 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, succeeding Amitabh Ranjan.
As DGP, he oversaw overall police administration, law and order, and initiatives like drug control. Reports from his tenure noted declines in overall crime rates, including murders and crimes against women, and strengthened actions against narcotics. Tripura recorded relatively higher conviction rates in the Northeast under his leadership.
Anurag Dhankar Awards
Anurag Dhankar received several prestigious honors for his service. He was conferred with the Police Medal for Meritorious Service and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. These awards recognize consistent excellence, bravery, and contributions to policing.
His decorations reflected decades of impactful work across field duties, investigations, and leadership.
Anurag Dhankar Personal Life
Anurag Dhankar was married to Kalpana. The couple had a son, Abhishek, who lives in Canada. He is also survived by his elder brother Vivek Dhankar, a retired Indian Air Force officer, and younger brother Raviraj Dhankar, who runs a business in Baraut. His mother, Ragbiri, was part of the family.
He maintained a low-profile personal life focused on duty. Family members traveled to Tripura following news of his passing.
Conclusion
Anurag Dhankar dedicated his life to public service and policing. From rural Uttar Pradesh roots to leading Tripura Police, he navigated complex roles with integrity. His passing in 2026 marked the end of a distinguished chapter, leaving behind contributions to security, investigations, and institutional growth that continue to influence Indian policing.
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 state of origin?
He hailed from Biharipur village in Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh, but served in the Tripura cadre.
What were Anurag Dhankar’s key educational qualifications?
He held a B.Sc. in Agriculture, postgraduate in Food Technology from CFTRI Mysore, Master’s in Police Management from Osmania University, PG Diploma in Cyber Crimes from NALSAR, and Certified Fraud Examiner status.
What major investigations did Anurag Dhankar lead?
He was involved in the CBI probe into the Punjab National Bank fraud case linked to Nirav Modi and contributed to the SIT on 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
When did Anurag Dhankar become DGP of Tripura?
He assumed charge as DGP on May 17, 2025.
What awards did Anurag Dhankar receive?
He received the Police Medal for Meritorious Service and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
What was Anurag Dhankar’s family background?
He was survived by his wife Kalpana, son Abhishek in Canada, brothers Vivek and Raviraj, and mother Ragbiri.