Karnataka's Pandemic Procurement Scandal: Justice Sought

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a probe into alleged COVID-19 procurement irregularities. A Justice D' Cunha report suggests prosecution of former BJP officials for mishandling PPE kit purchases, causing significant losses. A Special Investigation Team will further examine these claims.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has declared that an investigation into alleged irregularities in COVID-19 procurement will commence following cabinet approval. This move comes after a sub-committee review of the Justice Michael D'Cunha Commission report.

The inquiry targets alleged misconduct by former leaders during the BJP's tenure, with recommendations for prosecuting former Chief Minister Yediyurappa and ex-minister B. Sriramulu. The Karnataka government has constituted a Special Investigation Team to delve further into these allegations.

Compounding the controversy, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao reported the purchase of PPE kits from foreign firms at inflated costs, resulting in losses of up to Rs 16 crore. The state cabinet is set to decide the next steps based on these findings.

(With inputs from agencies.)