Was Odisha IAS Officer Dhiman Chakma Really Caught Accepting a Rs 10 Lakh Bribe?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, Odisha IAS officer Dhiman Chakma has been arrested for accepting a hefty bribe of Rs 10 lakh. The investigation reveals a deeper web of corruption that raises questions about accountability in public service. What does this mean for governance in Odisha?
Key Takeaways
- IAS officer Dhiman Chakma arrested for corruption.
- Bribe amount of Rs 10 lakh linked to a larger demand.
- Vigilance officials conducted successful trap operation.
- Additional Rs 47 lakh found during searches.
- Chakma's background includes service in both IFS and IAS.
Bhubaneswar, June 9 (NationPress) - Dhiman Chakma, a 2021-batch IAS officer from the Odisha cadre, was apprehended by the Odisha Vigilance after being caught in the act while accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh from a local entrepreneur on Sunday night. The officer was subsequently placed in judicial custody by a local court in Kalahandi on Monday.
The bribe was reportedly the initial installment of a larger demand amounting to Rs 20 lakh.
The arrest took place at Chakma's official residence located in Dharamgarh, within the Kalahandi district. On Monday, he was presented before the Vigilance Court in Kalahandi and taken into judicial custody. A case has been filed against him under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
According to Vigilance officials, the 35-year-old Chakma, currently serving as the Sub-Collector of Dharamgarh, had allegedly solicited Rs 20 lakh from a businessman who operates a stone crusher unit, threatening to take action against the unit if his demands were not met.
Faced with no options, the businessman sought assistance from the Vigilance authorities, prompting them to set up a trap.
"Based on the complaint, a trap was established on Sunday night. Dhiman Chakma was caught red-handed at his government residence while accepting Rs 10 lakh as a bribe. The entire amount was recovered and seized in front of witnesses. His hand wash tested positive for chemical residues, confirming his handling of the bribe money," stated a Vigilance announcement.
Following the arrest, simultaneous searches were conducted at Chakma's government residence and office. During the search, an additional Rs 47 lakh in cash was found at his residence. As he could not provide a legitimate explanation for this large sum of unaccounted cash, it was seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
Chakma, originally from Tripura, had previously joined the Odisha cadre as an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer in 2019 and briefly served as the Assistant Conservator of Forests in Baripada, Mayurbhanj.
He later passed the civil services examination again in 2021, achieved a higher rank, and was inducted into the IAS. He was appointed as the Sub-Collector of Dharamgarh in January 2024.
Point of View
I maintain that this incident underscores the critical need for transparency and accountability in public service. The Vigilance Department's swift action reflects a commitment to tackling corruption, reinforcing public trust in governance. It is imperative that such cases serve as a deterrent to unethical practices.
NationPress
25/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges has Dhiman Chakma faced?
Dhiman Chakma has been charged under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
How much money was involved in the bribe?
The bribe involved an initial amount of Rs 10 lakh, which is part of a larger demand of Rs 20 lakh.
Where was Dhiman Chakma arrested?
He was arrested at his official residence in Dharamgarh, Kalahandi district.
What additional findings were discovered during the investigation?
During the investigation, an extra Rs 47 lakh in cash was found at his residence.
What is the background of Dhiman Chakma?
Dhiman Chakma is a 2021-batch IAS officer from the Odisha cadre who previously served as an Indian Forest Service officer.
