Odisha Lokayukta calls for a corruption-free state

BHUBANESWAR: Justice Ajit Singh, chairperson of Odisha Lokayukta, on Monday said the people should approach the Lokayukta instead of becoming the victim of corruption.
Singh said this while addressing media here on Monday. He appealed to the people to cooperate the anti-corruption watchdog to make Odisha a ‘corruption-free’ state. He conducted the press conference for the first time after taking charge as chairperson of Lokayukta on March 20.
“If anybody finds corruption in any government offices, he or she can file a complaint with us.We will take up the case and investigate it thoroughly,” he added.
The Lokayukta has received a total of 28 new cases since the orgnisation came into exist on February 28 this year. Besides, 54 old cases of Lokpal have come to the purview of the Lokayukta. It has taken suo-motu cognizance of two cases so far.
The anti-corruption body will complete preliminary investigation into a corruption case within 60 days of the case filed before it. It will conduct probe through an investigating agency within six months and complete the trial of the case in a court within one or two years.
In order to reach out to people, the Lokayukta has planned to hold awareness camps in all the districts in a phased manner. The first awareness camp will be conducted in Sambalpur district on June 29.
Among others, Lokayukta members Justice B K Nayak and Debabrata Swain were present.
The Odisha Lokayukta Act, 2014 has come into force with effect from July 7 last year and the Lokayukta has been established on February 28.