The Odisha government has brought back IAS officer Dhiman Chakma into service and posted him as Deputy Secretary in the Revenue and Disaster Management Department. The decision comes nearly a year after he was suspended in a corruption case. Officials have clarified that the reinstatement does not mean he has been cleared of the charges, as both the departmental inquiry and the criminal case are still pending.
Arrest over bribe complaint
Chakma, a 2021-batch IAS officer, was serving as the Sub-Collector of Dharamgarh in Kalahandi district when Odisha Vigilance arrested him on 8th June, 2025. The action followed a complaint from a local businessman who operated a stone crusher unit.
According to Vigilance officials, Chakma had sought ₹20 lakh from the businessman and warned him of official trouble if the demand was not met. The businessman reportedly recorded the conversation and approached the Vigilance Directorate for help. Based on the complaint, officials kept him under surveillance and planned a trap operation.
During the operation, Chakma was caught while accepting ₹10 lakh, which was said to be the first instalment of the demanded amount. A case was subsequently registered against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Cash recovered during searches
Soon after the arrest, Vigilance teams searched Chakma’s official residence. During the searches, officials reportedly recovered ₹47 lakh in cash. The recovery led investigators to widen their probe into his finances, assets and previous postings.
Authorities have said that the investigation is examining the full extent of the misconduct and whether there were any other irregularities linked to the officer.
Suspension and bail
Two days after the arrest, on 10th June, 2025, the state government placed Chakma under suspension and started departmental proceedings against him. He was also produced before a court in connection with the case.
Later, on 24th July, 2025, the Orissa High Court granted him bail.
Why he has been reinstated
Government sources said the latest reinstatement follows service rules that deal with long periods of suspension. However, the move does not affect the ongoing legal and departmental proceedings.
The departmental inquiry and the criminal trial before the Vigilance Court will continue separately. Government officials have stressed that Chakma’s future in service will depend on the final outcome of these proceedings. Any further action against him will be decided after the court delivers its verdict and the inquiry process is completed.
