Karnataka Probes COVID-19 Equipment Procurement Corruption

The Karnataka cabinet has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate irregularities in equipment and medicine procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic. The inquiry follows an interim report by Justice D’Cunha, targeting former BJP officials for alleged corruption. The SIT aims to uncover evidence without pursuing financial recovery.

The Karnataka cabinet has taken decisive action by forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to delve into alleged procurement irregularities related to COVID-19 equipment and medicines during its previous BJP governance. This move follows an interim report prepared by Justice Michael D'Cunha.

H K Patil, Karnataka's Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, announced the cabinet's decision after examining the D'Cunha report. The SIT, led by an Inspector General of Police, will deepen its investigation into corruption claims involving top BJP figures, including the former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and ex-health minister B Sriramulu.

Patil highlighted large-scale corruption in pandemic management, involving overpriced and outdated supplies. However, he clarified that while the SIT will probe criminal aspects, any recovery of funds will likely be handled by a separate agency. The cabinet meeting further underscored the investigation's urgency and the inhuman actions of the preceding government amid the pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies.)