In a major development in the ongoing corruption crackdown, the Bhawanipatna District Vigilance Court on Tuesday rejected the bail plea of IAS officer Dhiman Chakma, currently serving as the Sub-Collector of Dharmagarh.
Chakma was arrested by the Vigilance Department on June 8 after being caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹10 lakh from a local businessman at his official residence. The arrest came after the businessman, reportedly a crusher unit owner, approached the anti-corruption agency with a formal complaint.
According to officials, Chakma had allegedly demanded a total bribe of ₹20 lakh, asking the complainant to deliver the first instalment of ₹10 lakh on Sunday evening. A trap was laid, leading to Chakma’s arrest during the transaction.
A subsequent search of his residence revealed unaccounted cash amounting to ₹47.47 lakh, in addition to the ₹10 lakh received as a bribe. The currency notes, mostly in ₹200 and ₹500 denominations, were found stuffed in bundles inside a drawer of his table, taking the total cash seizure to ₹57.46 lakh.
Since June 9, Chakma has been in judicial custody at Bhawanipatna District Jail. His legal counsel is now expected to approach the High Court in a bid to secure bail.
The Vigilance Department’s swift action in the case has been widely viewed as a firm message against corruption in Odisha’s bureaucratic circles. Senior officials have confirmed that further investigations are underway to trace the origin and intended use of the seized cash.
This case adds to a growing list of anti-corruption operations targeting government officials across the state. Vigilance authorities maintain that no one is above the law, and swift, punitive action will continue in cases of misconduct and bribery.
