Bansal's repatriation is seen similar to another Special Director N K Mishra (1988 batch IPS) who was repatriated from IB to the cadre (Sikkim) state on November 11, 2021. Three weeks later Mishra was made the interim-DGP of the state.

It may be pointed that earlier Special Director (IB) Sheel Vardhan Singh, 1986 batch IPS, was drafted as DG, CISF on November 09, 2021.

Singh's appointment in CISF and simultaneous repatriation of NK Mishra was seen in official circles as part of a plan to pave the way for appointing the next IB Chief. However, soon after (on November 16, 2021) the government empowered itself to extend the services of certain key investigating officials including the IB chief. This cleared the fog on the succession issue in the IB and necessitated the suitable accommodation of its senior officials.

Bansal's repatriation followed this scheme of things.

To settle the matter, the UPSC on December 09, 2021, conducted a meeting joined by state chief secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra and outgoing DGP Abhay, both 1986 batch officers, at its Delhi office.

It may be noted that the Odisha government had already issued a notification in November, allowing Abhay to superannuate on December 31. It may be underlined that Abhay is the first Odisha DGP to serve for two full years as stipulated by the Supreme Court. The state government also submitted a list of three prospective candidates for selection as the next state DGP. Bansal's name figured in the list.

Earlier, Sunil Kumar Bansal’s appointment for the DGP post seemed bleak as he has been away from Odisha for more than 15 years on central deputation. But finally, with repatriation orders notified by the Centre on Sunday, Bansal is set to succeed Abhay as Odisha DGP.