Fri Nov 15 07:09:59 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka Government Orders Probe into Alleged COVID-19 Procurement Scam

**Bengaluru, November 15, 2024:** The Karnataka government has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged irregularities in COVID-19 procurement during the tenure of the previous BJP government. The decision follows an interim report by a commission headed by retired High Court judge John Michael D’Cunha, which recommended prosecution of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and his Health Minister B. Sriramulu.

The commission’s report, which was submitted on August 31 but not made public until now, uncovered several irregularities in the procurement of medical equipment, PPE kits, and other consumables. The report alleges that the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) purchased three lakh PPE kits from two Chinese firms at exorbitant rates in April 2020 without any competitive bids or tendering process. The report further claims that the kits were bought through direct purchase orders at a cost of over ₹2,000 per unit, despite the availability of cheaper alternatives.

The probe will be headed by an officer of the rank of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and will investigate the alleged irregularities in the procurement process, including the purchase of PPE kits, masks, ICU units, CT scanners, and baby incubators, worth over ₹918.34 crore.

The SIT will investigate whether the former BJP government violated procurement laws and if the purchase decisions were made based on corrupt practices. The probe is expected to be a major development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged COVID-19 procurement scam.

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