Ex-CM Yediyurappa of BJP misused K'ntka Covid-19 funds: report
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Bengaluru: A report by the Justice Michael D' Cunha Commission, which probed the alleged irregularities in the purchase of equipment and medicines during the Covid-19 by the then BJP government, recommended the prosecution of then Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa and former minister B Sriramulu, PTI reported.
The report found that financial irregularities during the Yediyurappa administration at the time of the pandemic caused a Rs 150 crore loss to the state exchequer.
Following the publication of the report, submitted to the Karnataka government on August 31, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said on Saturday that the BJP government then was looting during the purchase of equipment and medicines. He said that they made money over the dead bodies, misusing the situation.
When the officials under the Yediyurappa administration argued that local suppliers could not meet demand, there are records which suggest that companies Plasti Surge Industries Pvt Ltd sold PPE kits at much lower rates of Rs 400 to Rs 725 The BJP administration gave the order to a Chinese company DHB Global, which charged Rs 2,117.53 per kit, India Today reported.
According to India Today, the report also suggested that the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (KSMSCL) bypassed competitive bidding and opted for direct orders, which was directly supported by both CM Yediyurappa and the Health Minister. When domestic companies offered kits for prices ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 1,444, state officials chose foreign suppliers for substantially higher rates.
"It has recommended for action against Yediyurappa and Sriramulu and prosecution against them under the Prevention of Corruption Act," the minister said.
He advised Yediyurappa and Sriramulu to stay away from the November 13 Assembly bypoll campaigning, citing the serious allegations against them in the report.
He also said during the course of the investigation, charges may come out against the person who took charge as health minister, succeeding Sriramulu, indicating the current Member of Parliament, K Sudhakar.
Speaking to reporters here, he said the commission had submitted its preliminary report, and the second report might be submitted in seven months as there are lots of documents to look into.
The minister further said that the enquiry commission had recommended recovery from various companies, as procurements were made at higher costs, deliveries were delayed, and there were issues with quality as well.