'Scam' In COVID-19 PPE Procurement? Karnataka Govt Suspends Officer Over 'Irregularities'

The suspension follows a report submitted on August 31, 2024 by an inquiry committee headed by retired High Court judge John Michael D'Cunha.

Last month, during a cabinet meeting, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed concern over a report revealing significant financial misappropriation.

Source : Special arrangement

The Karnataka government suspended Joint Controller of the Karnataka State Accounts and Auditing Department on Monday for his alleged involvement in irregularities related to the procurement of PPE kits and other medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The suspension followed a report by a committee headed by retired HC judge. GP Raghu, who was serving as the financial adviser to the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, held the position of financial advisor to the medical education department when the alleged misconduct occurred, as reported by Deccan Herald.

The inquiry committee was formed to investigate claims that equipment was procured without proper government approval and that work orders were handed out to select vendors, violating the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act. 

This investigation was initiated by the Congress government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and is part of a broader effort to scrutinise alleged financial misconduct during the pandemic under the previous BJP administration, when Dr. K. Sudhakar served as Karnataka’s Health Minister, said a report on PTI.

The inquiry commission, headed by retired High Court judge John Michael D'Cunha, submitted its report on August 31, 2024.

The official order stated that after reviewing the investigation report dated 27.12.2023, it is evident that tender procurement rules were breached in the purchase of PPE kits and other equipment by the Directorate of Medical Education. The report further outlined several alleged irregularities committed by Raghu during his tenure.

Last month, during a cabinet meeting, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed concern over a report revealing significant financial misappropriations and a lack of cooperation in providing crucial documents. He pointed out that Justice D'Cunha had repeatedly requested certain files, but they were not made available.

Meanwhile, K Sudhakar was the Health Minister during the previous BJP-led government.