Bhubaneswar, June 9, 2025 — In a major anti-corruption crackdown, Odisha Vigilance officials on Sunday arrested 2021-batch IAS officer Dhiman Chakma for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹10 lakh from a contractor. The officer was caught red-handed while receiving the bribe amount, triggering swift raids at his official residence in Bhubaneswar.
During the subsequent search operation, the vigilance team recovered ₹47 lakh in unaccounted cash from Chakma’s government-allocated quarters, intensifying suspicions of large-scale corruption.
According to official sources, the bribe was allegedly sought for the processing of a bill related to a government work order in Kalahandi district, where Chakma was serving. The complaint was verified in a covert operation before action was taken.
“He was caught red-handed while accepting ₹10 lakh. We conducted simultaneous raids, leading to the recovery of ₹47 lakh more from his official residence. The money has been seized under the Prevention of Corruption Act,” said a senior vigilance officer.
Multiple Raids Across Locations
Apart from his Bhubaneswar residence, the Vigilance team also searched Chakma’s office, his residence in Kalahandi, and other possible properties linked to him. Digital devices, bank documents, and additional financial records were also seized for further scrutiny.
The entire operation was monitored by top vigilance officials, and a forensic audit of the seized cash and documents is underway to determine the source and any possible money trail.
Legal Action Underway
A formal case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 has been registered against the officer. He is expected to be produced before the Special Vigilance Court in Bhubaneswar following further interrogation.
This arrest has triggered shockwaves in the state bureaucracy, especially considering Chakma’s relatively recent induction into the Indian Administrative Service. The Odisha government has yet to issue an official statement on the arrest.
