Bhubaneswar: Suspended IAS officer Dhiman Chakma (2021 batch, Odisha cadre), former Sub-Collector of Dharmagarh, has approached the Orissa High Court seeking bail after a Vigilance Court in Bhawanipatna rejected his earlier plea. Mr Chakma, who is currently in judicial custody, is at the center of a high-profile corruption case involving serious bribery allegations.
Chakma was arrested by the Odisha Vigilance Department on June 9, allegedly for accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh. It is alleged that the bribe was part of a ₹20 lakh demand from a stone crusher owner to settle a ₹1.6 crore penalty for mining.
Raids and Cash Recovery
After his arrest, the Vigilance authority conducted simultaneous raids at Chakma’s residences in Odisha, Tripura, and Himachal Pradesh and seized unaccounted cash worth over ₹47 lakh. He was remanded in judicial custody and subsequently suspended from service.
Bail Rejection by Vigilance Court
The Vigilance Court in Bhawanipatna denied Chakma’s bail request in early March, on the basis of serious allegations, including under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), a significant risk of tampering with evidence, and the very large amount of money that was seized.
Petition in Orissa High Court
Now, IAS Chakma has approached the Orissa High Court, seeking bail on grounds including lack of prior criminal history, full cooperation with investigators, and being a first-time offender.
The High Court is expected to hear the plea soon, with a decision pending based on arguments from both sides.
Broader Implications for Bureaucracy
IAS Chakma’s arrest has raised serious questions about integrity in the civil services. Once praised for rising from a remote village in Tripura to the IAS, his alleged involvement in a bribery scandal has sent shockwaves across bureaucratic and political circles.
What Lies Ahead
The Odisha Vigilance Department is currently investigating and there could be further action depending on the evidence collected. The result of the High Court bail hearing could establish a significant precedent for the way corruption cases involving IAS officers will be processed in the future.
Legal experts note that the High Court will consider factors such as-
- The gravity of the allegations
- Evidence collected (including the cash seizure)
- Potential interference with the investigation
- Risk of flight or non-cooperation
- A date for the hearing is expected to be scheduled soon.
