Karnataka Congress Government Transfers Covid 'Scam' Investigation to CID

Synopsis

The Karnataka Congress government has shifted the Covid scam investigation to the CID, two months after filing an FIR. Led by Siddaramaiah, this move may target former BJP officials and aims to uncover financial irregularities in Covid management across the state.

Key Takeaways

The investigation has been transferred to the CID.
Allegations involve senior officials from the previous BJP government.
The government is reviewing Covid fund mismanagement.
Potential actions against former BJP leaders are anticipated.
Discrepancies in Covid testing have raised serious concerns.

Bengaluru, Feb 14 (NationPress) The Congress-led administration in Karnataka, under the leadership of Siddaramaiah, has officially transferred the investigation into the Covid 'scam' to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as of Friday, following the registration of an FIR two months ago.

A team led by CID SP Raghavendra Hegde along with three Deputy SPs will delve into the alleged 'scam' that took place during the preceding BJP government’s term, according to sources.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Home Minister G. Parameshwara, and other key figures have leveraged the Covid 'scam' to counter allegations pertaining to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the notable tribal welfare board scam.

The FIR concerning the Covid scam was filed at the Vidhana Soudha police station on December 13 against senior officials and employees.

The administration has indicated potential actions against former CM B.S. Yediyurappa, former Health Minister B. Sriramulu, and BJP MP K. Sudhakar.

A special cabinet sub-committee led by Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar was established to examine the findings from the commission chaired by High Court Justice John Michael D'Cunha, which was set up by the Congress government, and to provide recommendations.

Shivakumar stated, “Officials are conducting an investigation based on the recommendations of Justice Michael Cunha's committee regarding Covid management-related irregularities. Those who misappropriated Covid funds will face consequences.”

Discussing Covid testing discrepancies, he remarked, “Within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) area, 84 lakh RT-PCR tests were reportedly conducted, leading to bills totaling Rs 502 crore, of which Rs 400 crore has already been settled. If 84 lakh tests were performed, it would equate to two tests per household.”

Shivakumar further pointed out, “In Kidwai Hospital alone, 24 lakh tests were allegedly conducted, creating a bill of Rs 146 crore, despite lacking the technical capability or ICMR approval. The execution of such a high volume of tests at a single site raises concerns regarding logistics and crowd management.”

He assured a comprehensive review to uncover any legal infractions.

According to sources, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) previously assembled to investigate the scam was reluctant to pursue the case due to the involvement of influential politicians and high-ranking bureaucrats. The government's decision to transfer the case has taken political circles by surprise.