Power corridors are abuzz that these abrupt transfers are a direct result of an alleged "unfair practice" controversy—and the whole thing was set off by the actions of a single, well-connected importer. It appears this importer's shenanigans were so explosive they forced the hand of the Board, leading to the two senior officers being unceremoniously shifted out of the South and into separate Directorates in Delhi.

Insiders claim that while the importer may have triggered the controversy, the real pressure that necessitated the immediate transfers came from voices raised by the Chairman of a global education services group and a renowned Member of Parliament from the South.