The Odisha government has reinstated IAS officer Dhiman Chakma into service and posted him as Deputy Secretary in the Revenue and Disaster Management Department. This decision comes nearly a year after he was suspended in a corruption case.
However his reinstatement has not cleared him of the charges; both the departmental inquiry and the criminal case are ongoing.
What is the case?
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 arrest was result of a complaint from a local businessman who operated a stone crusher unit. The business man complained that Chakma had demanded ₹20 lakh and threatened him of dire consequences if the demand was not met. The businessman reportedly recorded the conversation and approached the Vigilance Directorate for assistance. Based on the complaint, officials kept him under surveillance and planned a trap operation.
Chakma was apprehended while accepting ₹10 lakh, which was reportedly the first instalment of the demanded amount. Subsequently, a case was registered against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The vigilance team later is said to have recovered Rs 47 lakh cash from Chakma's official residence.
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.
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