Did Odisha's IAS Officer Get Caught Taking a Rs 10 Lakh Bribe?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, an IAS officer in Odisha has been apprehended for accepting a <b>bribe of Rs 10 lakh</b>. This incident raises crucial questions about corruption in public service and the integrity of administrative officials. Stay tuned to discover more about the ongoing investigation and its implications.
Key Takeaways
- The IAS officer was caught accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh.
- Significant cash recoveries were made during the investigation.
- The incident highlights ongoing corruption issues within the administrative system.
- The Vigilance department's actions reflect a commitment to fighting corruption.
- The accused officer has been charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Bhubaneswar, June 9 (NationPress) Officials from the Odisha Vigilance have apprehended an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and the Sub-Collector of Dharamgarh while he was in the act of accepting a bribe amounting to Rs 10 lakh from a businessman in the Kalahandi district, according to reports.
On June 8, 2025, Dhiman Chakma, an IAS officer from the 2021 batch, was caught red-handed demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,00,000 from a local entrepreneur as part of an overall demand of Rs 20,00,000. The officer allegedly threatened to take action against the complainant’s business if the bribe was not paid, as stated by the Vigilance department in a press release on Sunday.
The Sub-Collector invited the complainant to his official residence in Dharamgarh, received the bribe, counted the 26 bundles of 100-note denominations, and placed the money into his office drawer.
Sources indicate that the accused was coercing the complainant for a significant amount of bribe by threatening to take action against the latter's stone crusher business in the Dharamgarh area of Kalahandi. In desperation, the stone crusher owner reported the matter to the Vigilance department, which set up a trap and caught Chakma in the act on Sunday.
“Both handwash and table drawer wash showed a positive chemical reaction. Additionally, Rs 47 lakh in cash was discovered during searches at his official residence. Further investigations are ongoing,” the official statement revealed.
The Vigilance sources confirmed that a case has been filed in this matter at the Vigilance Cell under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Amendment Act, 2018.
Chakma, a 2021 batch IAS officer from Odisha cadre, hails from Tripura and holds a B.Tech degree from the National Institute of Technology in Agartala.
In 2024, the Odisha Vigilance department recorded 211 criminal cases, resulting in the arrest of 179 government officials and private individuals.
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize that this incident underscores a larger issue of corruption within the Indian administrative framework. The vigilance exhibited by the Odisha authorities in apprehending the accused is commendable. However, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges we face in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. We must remain vigilant and advocate for reforms that deter such corrupt practices.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the amount of the bribe involved?
The bribe amount involved was Rs 10 lakh.
Who was the IAS officer caught taking the bribe?
The IAS officer caught taking the bribe is Dhiman Chakma, a Sub-Collector from the Dharamgarh area.
What legal actions have been taken?
A case has been registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Amendment Act, 2018.
How did the authorities catch the officer?
The officer was caught after the complainant approached the Vigilance department, which set a trap.
What other discoveries were made during the investigation?
During searches, an additional Rs 47 lakh in cash was recovered from the officer's residence.
