Bhubaneswar: Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari issued a stern warning to corrupt officials across the state. His warning comes in the backdrop of State Vigilance nabbing an young IAS Officer, while taking bribe.
“Those who are involved in corrupt practices should get ready to go to jail once caught red-handed,” Shri Pujari declared, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards graft. His remarks are being seen as a clear message that no official, regardless of their seniority, will be spared if found indulging in illicit activities.
Nabbing of Shri Chakma is particularly notable as it occurs close to the one-year mark of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s tenure, which has seen a renewed push against corruption. This incident is expected to intensify the anti-corruption drive and serve as a strong deterrent for other officials
In a significant development that has sent ripples through the state administration, IAS officer Dhiman Chakma, of the 2021 batch and currently serving as Sub-Collector of Dharamgarh District, Kalahandi, was nabbed red-handed by the State Vigilance Department while allegedly accepting a bribe. The arrest comes as a major breakthrough for the vigilance wing, especially marking a prominent catch within the first year of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s government.
The arrest took place today at his official government residence in Dharamgarh. According to Vigilance Cell officials, the Sub-Collector had demanded a total bribe of Rs 20 lakh from a local businessman, threatening adverse actions against his business if the demand was not met. The Rs 10 lakh seized today was reportedly the first installment of this larger demand.
The complainant was called to Shri Chakma’s official residence, where the Sub-Collector allegedly received the bribe amount. Sources indicate that he meticulously verified the 26 bundles of 100-rupee notes of different denominations before stashing them in his office table drawer. A subsequent chemical reaction test on both his hands and the table drawer yielded positive results, confirming his direct involvement.
Following the on-the-spot arrest, Vigilance teams initiated searches at his official residence, which led to the recovery of an additional Rs 47 lakh in cash. Further searches are reportedly ongoing. In connection with this case, Vigilance Cell Police Station Case No. 6/2025 has been registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended by the P.C. (Amendment) Act, 2018.
Team Vigilance is questioning Shri Chakma on various angles and senior sleuths are engaged in marathon questioning of IAS Officer.