Bhubaneswar, June 7: The Odisha government has reinstated suspended IAS officer Dhiman Chakma and posted him as Deputy Secretary in the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, a move that has sparked public debate because the corruption case against him is still pending before the court. The reinstatement order was issued on May 21 and has now come into public focus following reports about his new administrative assignment.
Dhiman Chakma, a 2021-batch IAS officer, was previously serving as Sub-Collector of Dharamgarh in Kalahandi district. He came under scrutiny in June 2025 after Odisha Vigilance officials arrested him in connection with an alleged bribery case. The arrest led to his suspension from service by the state government under the provisions of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules.
According to Vigilance officials, Chakma was allegedly caught while accepting a bribe of ₹10 lakh from a businessman. Investigators claimed that the amount was part of a larger demand linked to official work. Following the trap operation, officials also recovered substantial cash from his residence during searches. The case attracted significant attention across Odisha and beyond, given Chakma’s position as a young IAS officer.
The Odisha government’s latest decision effectively ends the suspension period and brings Chakma back into active administrative service. He has now been assigned to the Revenue and Disaster Management Department as Deputy Secretary. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the reinstatement was carried out in accordance with service rules that govern prolonged suspension of government officers. Officials maintain that such administrative decisions are guided by existing legal and procedural frameworks and do not amount to a clearance of the charges against the officer.
The development has nevertheless generated discussion among political observers, civil society groups and social media users. Critics argue that assigning an officer facing corruption charges to an important department could raise concerns regarding public perception and accountability. Supporters of the decision, however, point out that a person remains entitled to due process until proven guilty in a court of law.
The legal proceedings against Chakma are still underway. In July 2025, the Orissa High Court granted him bail after considering various factors, including the progress of the investigation and conditions imposed by the court. The High Court clarified that the bail order should not be interpreted as a comment on the merits of the case and that the trial process would continue independently.
Investigating agencies had earlier conducted searches at multiple locations linked to the officer and his relatives. These searches were aimed at gathering documents and evidence related to the allegations. Authorities stated that inquiries into financial transactions and other aspects connected to the case were part of the broader investigation.
Dhiman Chakma had once been regarded as an inspiring success story, particularly in his native Tripura, where he became known for clearing the UPSC examination and joining the prestigious Indian Administrative Service. His arrest in the bribery case marked a dramatic turn in his career and attracted widespread media attention.
The Odisha government has not issued any indication that the pending case has been withdrawn or resolved. Administrative sources stress that the reinstatement is a service-related decision and that the judicial process will continue separately. The outcome of the court proceedings is expected to determine the long-term implications for the officer’s career and reputation.
As the matter continues to unfold, the reinstatement of Dhiman Chakma is likely to remain a subject of public discussion, particularly regarding the balance between service rules, administrative necessity and accountability in public administration. The case also highlights the broader debate over how governments should handle officials facing criminal or corruption-related allegations while legal proceedings remain unresolved.
