In yet another major blow to the bureaucratic integrity in India, Dhiman Chakma, a 2021 batch IAS officer posted as Sub-Collector of Dharamgarh, Kalahandi, was caught red-handed accepting a ₹10 lakh bribe on Sunday. The arrest was made by the vigilance department after a local businessman filed a complaint alleging extortion and threats.

Bribe Demand and Arrest

According to reports, Chakma had demanded ₹20 lakh from the businessman in exchange for administrative favors and had allegedly threatened action if the payment wasn’t made. Acting on the complaint, the vigilance team laid a trap. When the businessman handed over the first installment of ₹10 lakh at Chakma’s official residence, vigilance officers raided the spot and arrested him immediately.

Huge Cash Haul from Government Residence

Following the arrest, officials searched his government quarters and recovered ₹47 lakh in unexplained cash. Authorities suspect the money could be linked to multiple instances of bribery, as per the businessman’s statements. The entire amount is now under scrutiny.

Legal Action Underway

A case has been registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (amended in 2018) at the Vigilance Cell Police Station (Case No. 6/2025). The probe is ongoing, and further action is expected as investigators trace the source and use of the seized money.

Background

Chakma hails from Tripura and had entered the Indian Administrative Service in 2021. His arrest not only raises questions about corruption within the bureaucracy but also reflects the ongoing challenges faced by anti-corruption agencies, despite intensified crackdowns.