Bhubaneswar: Additional director-general (ADG) Sanjeeb Panda is poised for elevation to the DGP grade, with the state govt likely to convene the departmental promotion committee (DPC) this week.Panda’s imminent promotion is being closely watched he emerges a frontrunner for the DGP’s post, with incumbent police chief Y B Khurania completing his full two‑year tenure on Aug 16.Though senior-most officer of 1990‑batch Sudhanshu Sarangi (DG, fire services) and 1993‑batch officer R P Koche (director, intelligence) are also in the race. Panda, a 1994‑batch officer, heading anti‑Naxal operations, is seen to have an edge over his competitors, govt sources said.His prospects have been bolstered by Odisha’s success in meeting Union home minister Amit Shah’s target of a Naxal‑free India by March 2026, sources indicated. “The DPC is expected anytime this week. Panda’s batchmate Yeshwant Jethwa, director vigilance, is also likely to be promoted to the DGP rank,” a senior govt officer said.Once the DPC concludes, the state will forward a fresh panel of DGP probables — Sarangi, Koche, Panda and Jethwa — to the UPSC for shortlisting three candidates.Panda’s chances have brightened after the UPSC reportedly received adverse feedback from the CBI against Susanta Kumar Nath, DG (prisons), in connection with the sub‑inspector recruitment scam. Nath, who headed the Odisha police recruitment board, oversaw exams that were scrapped last Sept last year following allegations of question paper leaks. The case was later handed over to the CBI.“Panda was earlier at number four in seniority, which weakened his chances of making the UPSC shortlist. With Nath’s exit, Panda moves up to number three. That gives him a strong shot at becoming DGP, even if it means superseding two seniors,” another govt officer observed.
