In the midst of the ongoing MUDA scam controversy, Karnataka faces a fresh allegation of a scam involving the misuse of funds allocated for COVID-19 relief during the BJP-led government under then-Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. A preliminary report, prepared by Justice John Michael D'Cunha, was reviewed by the state cabinet on Thursday and revealed several irregularities, including the alleged misappropriation of hundreds of crores of rupees and missing files.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah raised the matter during the cabinet meeting, highlighting that the report detailed substantial financial misappropriations and a lack of cooperation in providing necessary documents. Siddaramaiah also reportedly emphasized that many files requested by Justice D'Cunha had not been made available, despite repeated requests.
He said, as per PTI, "The judge has made very serious observations about hundreds of crores of rupees being misappropriated. The report has also said that there are many files missing that weren't placed before him despite his repeated requests."
Panel Formed To Probe Report
The Karnataka cabinet has decided to assign the interim report to a team of senior officials, led by Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh and Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, for further scrutiny. The report, submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on August 30, investigates alleged irregularities in the procurement of medicines, equipment, and oxygen supply during the COVID-19 pandemic under the previous BJP administration, as per reports by The Indian Express.
The judicial inquiry, ordered in August 2023, aimed to investigate the irregularities in COVID-19 management during the BJP's tenure, following serious allegations made by the Public Accounts Committee in their July-August report. The report alleged that mishandling and mismanagement of resources contributed to the loss of lives.
Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs, HK Patil, confirmed that the report spans five to six volumes and included serious findings of corruption and missing documents. He added that the findings will be analyzed, and the team is expected to submit a comprehensive report within a month.
The Congress-led government, which has been vocal about alleged malpractices during the BJP's rule, had promised a fair inquiry into COVID-19 management irregularities if elected.
“Justice D’Cunha has made serious observations. There are hundreds and hundreds of crores of misappropriation, mishandling and malpractice has taken place. The report has also said that there are many files which are missing, which were not brought before him despite repeatedly asking about it,” the Minister said, as per PTI.