The Karnataka state cabinet has decided to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to inquire into the alleged irregularities in COVID-19 handling by the previous government. The decision comes after the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission submitted its interim report on procurements related to COVID-19.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil told the media that the cabinet has agreed to constitute the SIT after considering the interim report of the commission. He further said that the SIT will be headed by an Officer of the rank of Inspector General of Police and it will solely deal with the irregularities the report has highlighted. He clarified that the SIT would in no way be entrusted with the task of recovery but would refer recovery matters to a separate agency within the Department of Revenue as it as it pertains to revenue dues.
The minister further said that the cabinet did not deliberate much on the recovery aspect during its meeting, asserting that high-level corruption had taken place in the management of COVID-19 resources.
The state government has constituted the Justice D’Cunha Commission to inquire into mismanagement and corruption in the procurement of COVID-19 materials. It submitted its interim report on September 1, recommending legal actions against the former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and ex-Health Minister B.S. Sriramulu for their alleged role in this wrongdoing.
After the report was submitted, a cabinet sub-committee under Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was formed to study the report and submit suggestions in response. Accepting the recommendations put forth by the sub-committee, the cabinet gave its nod for the formation of the SIT.
With inputs from PTI.