Lokayukta demands more teeth to probe graft cases

Amid Delhi Government's plan to review powers of the Lokayukta, the anti-corruption watchdog has demanded more teeth to probe graft cases against public functionaries and asked Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit to view the institution as an "aid" for probity in governance rather than an obstacle.

Lokayukta Justice Manmohan Sarin said the watchdog should be given powers of "search and seizure" and conduct probe against bureaucrats besides granting financial and administrative autonomy for its effective functioning.

Unhappy over the Lokayukta's order in February recommending removal of PWD Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan in a tax evasion case, Dikshit had said the government was planning to review the powers of the anti-corruption watchdog to make it "more transparent" and "just".