Dhiman Chakma is a 36-year-old Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Tripura, currently serving as the Sub-Collector of Dharamgarh in Kalahandi district, Odisha. He was arrested on June 8, 2025, by the Odisha Vigilance Directorate for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹10 lakh from a local businessman. The businessman claimed that Chakma had threatened to take punitive action against his stone crusher unit unless the bribe was paid. The officer reportedly demanded a total of ₹20 lakh, with ₹10 lakh as the first installment.
Chakma, a native of Kanchanpur in Tripura, graduated in computer science from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Agartala. He cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2020 with an All India Rank of 482 and joined the Indian Forest Service (IFS) in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. In 2021, he transitioned to the IAS and was posted as the Sub-Collector of Dharamgarh.
Following his arrest, vigilance officials conducted a raid at Chakma’s official residence, uncovering an additional ₹47 lakh in unaccounted cash. A chemical test confirmed the presence of bribe money on his hands and in the drawer where the cash was stored. A case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the recovered funds and any potential connections to other individuals.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Hometown
Dhiman Chakma was born in Kanchanpur, a town in the North Tripura district of Tripura, India. Growing up in a region known for its scenic beauty and diverse culture, Chakma developed a keen interest in academics and public service from an early age.
Family Background
Chakma hails from a modest background. His father is a school teacher, and his mother is a homemaker. Despite the financial constraints, his parents emphasized the importance of education, which played a pivotal role in shaping his aspirations.
Education
Schooling
Chakma completed his early education in Kanchanpur, excelling in his studies and demonstrating leadership qualities. His academic prowess earned him a scholarship, enabling him to pursue higher education in more advanced institutions.
Higher Education
He pursued a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree in Computer Science from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Agartala. His time at NIT Agartala was marked by academic excellence and active participation in extracurricular activities.
Career Journey
Entry into Civil Services
Chakma’s journey into the civil services began with his success in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. In his first attempt in 2019, he secured an All India Rank of 722. Undeterred by this outcome, he continued his preparations and achieved a remarkable All India Rank of 482 in the 2020 examination.
Indian Forest Service (IFS)
Following his success in the UPSC examination, Chakma joined the Indian Forest Service (IFS) in 2021. He was initially posted in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, where he worked diligently on various environmental and forestry projects.
Transition to Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
In 2021, Chakma transitioned to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), a move that marked a significant step in his career. He was appointed as the Sub-Collector of Dharamgarh in Kalahandi district, Odisha. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing administrative functions and implementing government policies at the grassroots level.
Controversy and Arrest
Allegations of Corruption
On June 8, 2025, Chakma was arrested by the Odisha Vigilance Directorate for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹10 lakh from a local businessman. The businessman claimed that Chakma had demanded a total of ₹20 lakh in exchange for not taking punitive action against his stone crusher unit. The officer reportedly received the first installment of ₹10 lakh at his official residence in Dharamgarh.
Raid and Recovery
Following his arrest, vigilance officials conducted a raid at Chakma’s official residence. During the search, they uncovered an additional ₹47 lakh in unaccounted cash. The money was found in various locations within the premises, raising suspicions about the officer’s financial dealings.
Legal Proceedings
A case has been registered against Chakma under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The investigation is ongoing to ascertain the source of the recovered funds and to determine if other individuals were involved in the alleged corruption.
Personal Life
Marital Status
Dhiman Chakma is married to Monika Chakma. The couple tied the knot in a ceremony that was attended by close family and friends. Monika has been supportive of her husband’s career and aspirations.
Interests and Hobbies
Outside of his professional life, Chakma has a keen interest in technology and its applications in public administration. He is also passionate about education and has expressed a desire to work towards improving the educational infrastructure in his native state of Tripura.
Net Worth
As of now, there is no official declaration of Dhiman Chakma’s net worth. However, the discovery of ₹47 lakh in unaccounted cash at his residence has raised questions about his financial assets. The ongoing investigation aims to determine the source of these funds and assess whether they are disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Conclusion
Dhiman Chakma’s journey from a promising civil servant to a figure embroiled in a corruption scandal serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by public officials. While his early achievements inspired many, the recent developments highlight the importance of integrity and transparency in public service. The ongoing investigation will determine the extent of the alleged misconduct and the appropriate legal actions to be taken.
FAQs
Who is Dhiman Chakma?
Dhiman Chakma is a 2021-batch IAS officer from Tripura, currently serving as the Sub-Collector of Dharamgarh in Kalahandi district, Odisha.
What is the recent controversy involving Dhiman Chakma?
He was arrested on June 8, 2025, by the Odisha Vigilance Directorate for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹10 lakh from a local businessman.
What was the total bribe demanded by Chakma?
Chakma allegedly demanded a total of ₹20 lakh in bribe from the businessman, with ₹10 lakh as the first installment.
Was any unaccounted money found during the raid?
Yes, during the raid at his official residence, ₹47 lakh in unaccounted cash was recovered.
What charges have been filed against Dhiman Chakma?
A case has been registered against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
What is the source of the recovered ₹47 lakh?
The source of the recovered money is currently under investigation.
Is Dhiman Chakma married?
Yes, he is married to Monika Chakma.
What is Dhiman Chakma’s educational background?
He graduated in computer science from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Agartala.
What was his rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination?
He secured an All India Rank of 482 in the 2020 UPSC Civil Services Examination.
What was his previous posting before joining the IAS?
Before joining the IAS, he served as an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.
