The Karnataka government is reportedly considering the establishment of a committee to recover funds from companies implicated in the alleged Covid-19 procurement scam that took place under the previous BJP government. This decision comes in the wake of setting up a Special Investigative Team (SIT) to thoroughly probe the irregularities. According to officials, a cabinet sub-committee currently reviewing an interim report on the matter is supportive of creating a dedicated recovery panel, led by an officer of Additional Chief Secretary rank, to reclaim the misappropriated funds.

The proposal for forming this recovery committee will be discussed at an upcoming cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday. The interim report, submitted last month by a judicial commission headed by Justice Michael D’Cunha, a retired judge of the Karnataka High Court, has estimated that over Rs 7,200 crore were misappropriated during the pandemic. In the first phase, the report recommends recovering Rs 500 crore from the involved companies and pursuing legal action against key figures, including former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and the then Health Minister B Sreeramulu, for their alleged involvement.

Following the submission of this report, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah promptly formed a cabinet sub-committee led by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to examine its findings. In a statement, Shivakumar emphasized the urgency of initiating the recovery process alongside the ongoing investigation. “During our initial meeting, the interim report was reviewed, and it became clear that a dedicated team would be essential to handle the recovery efforts,” he stated. “The cabinet will deliberate on this matter, and appropriate actions will be taken subsequently.”

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who also serves on the sub-committee, noted that the interim report is currently under detailed scrutiny, with additional recommendations expected to follow. The alleged scam has already sparked significant political controversy, especially given its implications for high-profile BJP leaders. The judicial commission’s findings have put BS Yediyurappa and B Sreeramulu in a challenging position, with calls for accountability growing louder.

Further Investigations and Political Repercussions

Speculation is mounting about further revelations in the commission’s final report, which is anticipated soon. There are suggestions that other BJP officials may also be implicated, including K Sudhakar, who succeeded Sreeramulu as Health Minister, and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, both of whom are reportedly under scrutiny. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has vowed to pursue legal action against all individuals involved, irrespective of their political affiliations. “Legal proceedings will be initiated against everyone implicated, regardless of their status,” Siddaramaiah affirmed.

Priyank Kharge, a member of the cabinet sub-committee, remarked that the interim report only reveals a fraction of the extensive scale of the scandal. He pointed out that several government agencies had allegedly engaged in the unlawful procurement of medicines, chemicals, and medical equipment from companies based in China and Hong Kong. Kharge hinted at the likelihood of further shocking revelations as the investigation progresses.

The political ramifications of this scam have been substantial, with opposition parties seizing the opportunity to criticize the previous BJP administration for mismanagement during the pandemic. The state government’s swift actions in addressing the findings of the interim report reflect a commitment to transparency and accountability. The final report from the judicial commission is expected to provide a clearer picture of the alleged corruption and may lead to additional legal actions against more officials.

This evolving situation will likely remain a focal point in Karnataka’s political landscape, particularly as more details emerge regarding the extent of the alleged misconduct. The cabinet’s decision on forming a dedicated recovery committee is anticipated to set the tone for future efforts in reclaiming misappropriated public funds and ensuring accountability for those involved in the scandal.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)