In a significant political development in Karnataka, a report by Justice Michael D Kunha has recommended prosecution against former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and former Health Minister B. Sriramulu.The allegations pertain to a COVID-19 procurement scam involving the purchase of PPE kits from two Chinese companies in 2020, during the peak of the pandemic.
The allegations claim that the PPE kits were purchased under dubious circumstances, with possible breaches of procedure and transparency. The Kunha report has urged an investigation under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, suggesting that further inquiry is warranted to determine any potential misuse of power by the then top state officials.
The cabinet sub-committee, led by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, discussed the report in a recent meeting and indicated its intent to push forward with the investigation. According to sources, the government is expected to make an official announcement and commence a detailed inquiry after the ongoing by-elections are completed.
The state government has already set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged COVID-19 irregularities, which could fast-track the investigation following approval from the cabinet. This move could signal an intensifying scrutiny of pandemic-era governance decisions in Karnataka and will be closely watched for its political implications.
Further actions are likely to unfold in the coming weeks, potentially impacting the political landscape in Karnataka and adding pressure on current and former officials involved in the state’s COVID-19 response.
