Bhubaneswar:In a significant crackdown on corruption, Dhiman Chakma, an IAS officer of the 2021 batch and currently serving as Sub-Collector of Dharamgarh District, Kalahandi, was caught red-handed today while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh. The arrest took place 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. The investigation into the matter is actively continuing.