Dhiman Chakma, a 36-year-old Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Tripura, has been arrested in Odisha for alleged corruption, marking a dramatic fall from grace for a man once celebrated as a role model for civil service aspirants.
Hailing from Kanchanpur in North Tripura, Chakma was the first from his family and town to clear the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. In 2020, he secured an All India Rank of 482, and in 2021, he joined the Indian Forest Service (IFS) in Odisha. His determination and success were widely celebrated, especially in north-eastern India, where he was seen as an inspiration for local youth aspiring to join the civil services.
On June 8, 2025, Chakma was arrested by Odisha Vigilance officials for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹10 lakh from a local businessman in Kalahandi district. The businessman claimed that Chakma had threatened to take action against his enterprise unless the bribe was paid. During a subsequent raid at Chakma’s official residence in Dharamgarh, authorities recovered an additional ₹47 lakh in unaccounted cash, raising serious concerns about the extent of the alleged corruption.
The arrest occurred on June 8, 2025, in Dharamgarh, a town in Kalahandi district, Odisha, where Chakma was serving as the sub-collector. The raid and recovery of the additional cash took place at his official residence following the arrest.
Chakma allegedly demanded a total bribe of ₹20 lakh from the businessman, with ₹10 lakh being paid as an initial instalment. The businessman filed a complaint with the Odisha Vigilance Department, leading to a trap operation where Chakma was caught red-handed accepting the bribe. The subsequent raid at his residence uncovered the additional ₹47 lakh in cash, which Chakma could not satisfactorily explain, leading to his arrest.
Following his arrest, the Odisha government suspended Chakma from his position as sub-collector of Dharamgarh. The chief minister ordered his immediate suspension under the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969, reflecting the state’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
Chakma’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the civil services community, especially in the north-eastern region, where his success story had inspired many. The case underscores the ongoing challenges in combating corruption within the bureaucracy and serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and accountability in public service.
As investigations continue, the public awaits further developments in this high-profile case that has tarnished the reputation of a once-promising civil servant.
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