Bhubaneswar, Aug. 10 (UDN): In a significant development ahead of the impending change in Odisha’s police leadership, senior Odisha-cadre IPS officers Sanjeeb Panda and Yeshwant Kumar Jethwa have been promoted to the Director General (DG) of Police rank.

The State government’s proposal for their elevation from the Additional Director General (ADG) rank was approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday.

Promotions Gain Significance Ahead of DGP Change

The promotions come at a crucial juncture as Odisha is set to witness a change at the top of its police administration.

The tenure of incumbent DGP YB Khurania is scheduled to end on August 16, and his successor is expected to take charge thereafter. Against this backdrop, the elevation of Panda and Jethwa to the DG rank has added further interest to discussions surrounding the next DGP appointment.

Both officers are among the senior IPS officers who could potentially figure prominently in the State’s future police leadership.

Khurania Set to Retire on August 16

Meanwhile, DGP YB Khurania has already been granted permission to retire from service on August 16.

The Home Department had earlier issued an official notification regarding the retirement of the 1990-batch IPS officer. Reports had also indicated that Khurania was not keen on seeking an extension of his tenure after reaching the retirement age.

With the latest promotions, attention is now firmly focused on the Odisha government’s decision regarding the next Director General of Police. The appointment is expected to bring a new chapter to the State’s police administration.