Odisha Suspends IAS Officer Dhiman Chakma After ₹57 Lakh Seizure

Bhubaneswar: In a major embarrassment to the state bureaucracy, the Odisha government has suspended Dharamgarh Sub-Collector Dhiman Chakma, a 2021-batch IAS officer, following his arrest in a sensational bribery case. The officer was caught allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹10 lakh, triggering immediate administrative action.

The suspension was confirmed on Tuesday through an official notification issued by the General Administration and Public Grievance (GA&PG) Department. Citing sub-rule 3 of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, the order stated that Chakma has been placed under suspension with immediate effect. His headquarters during the suspension period has been fixed at the GA&PG Department in Bhubaneswar, and he has been directed not to leave station without official permission.

The 36-year-old officer was arrested on Monday after Odisha Vigilance officials allegedly caught him red-handed at his government residence in Dharamgarh, Kalahandi district. The bribe was reportedly the first part of a ₹20 lakh demand made to a local businessman.

A series of raids conducted at Chakma’s premises led to the recovery of an additional ₹47 lakh in cash, pushing the total seizure to ₹57 lakh. The Vigilance Department has launched a detailed investigation into the source of the money and Chakma’s financial dealings.