Odisha reinstates Dhiman Chakma

Dhiman Chakma, a 2021-batch IAS officer, was arrested by Odisha — Odisha Vigilance Department on June 8, 2025, for allegedly accepting a Rs 10 lakh bribe from a businessman in exchange for not taking action against a stone crusher unit. Following his arrest, Rs 47 lakh in unaccounted cash was recovered from his residence, and he was suspended by the government of India — Odisha. After spending 40 days in judicial custody, the International — High court granted him conditional bail on July 24, 2025. Nearly a year later, around May 21, 2026, the government of India — Odisha reinstated Dhiman Chakma as Deputy Secretary in the India — Revenue and Disaster Management Department. This reinstatement, while procedural according to government sources, has generated significant public criticism and debate on social media due to the ongoing departmental inquiry and criminal proceedings against Dhiman Chakma under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Officials emphasize that the reinstatement is not an exoneration and future actions will depend on the court's final verdict.