Bhawanipatna: Dharmagarh Sub-Collector and IAS officer Dhiman Chakma’s bail application was rejected by the Bhawanipatna District Vigilance Court today. Chakma was arrested by the Vigilance department on June 8 for accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh from a businessman at his government residence.
A subsequent search of his official residence led to the seizure of Rs 47,47,600, bringing the total seized amount to Rs 57,46,600. He has been in judicial custody at Bhawanipatna District Jail since June 9.
Following the rejection of his bail plea, Chakma’s lawyer is expected to move the High Court seeking bail. The Vigilance department’s action against the IAS officer has sent a strong message against corruption in the state.
The officer had reportedly demanded a total of Rs 20 lakh as bribe and asked the businessman to pay him Rs 10 lakh on Sunday evening as first instalment. The crusher unit owner had then approached the anti-corruption agency and lodged a complaint against Chakma.
The vigilance team laid a trap and caught Chakma red-handed while accepting the bribe at his official residence in Dharamgarh. The anti-graft agency also recovered 26 bundles of different denomination currency notes like Rs 200 and Rs 500. These notes were kept inside his table drawer.
