On Tuesday, the state government cleared promotions across several ranks — 2 IGPs were elevated to ADGs, 2 DIGs were promoted to IGPs, and 2 SPs were made DIGs, while 9 SPs were granted pay hikes after elevation to junior administrative and selection grades.

Panda (anti-Naxal operations chief) and Jethwa (vigilance director), whose promotions are overdue, were expected to be promoted to the coveted DGP grade this time. However, their promotions remain stalled, leaving the IPS fraternity puzzled. With DGP Y B Khurania's tenure set to continue until Aug 2026, whispers of a possible change of guard in the top cop post have gained currency.