Bhubaneswar, Aug. 22 -- Bhubaneswar: Odisha Lokayukta, the State's highest anti-corruption ombudsman organization has expressed interest to take over the reins of the State Vigilance department.

Issuing its first annual report, the Lokayukta has said that it will function more effectively in curbing corruption, if the Directorate of Vigilance of the Government which is currently under the ambit of the State government is put under the control of the Lokayukta.

'This step of putting the Directorate of Vigilance under the Odisha Lokayukta will also ensure that investigation into corruption cases are more speedy, credible and free from political influences' the Lokayukta mentioned in the annual report.

The anti-corruption watchdog cited c...