An FIR has been registered against multiple government officials and private companies over alleged fraudulent procurement of PPE kits and N95 masks during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to an estimated loss of Rs 167 crore to the state exchequer.
Key Allegations
- Illegal Procurement Process:
- The complaint filed by Dr. M. Vishnuprasad, Chief Accounting Officer of the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), alleges that the Medical Education Department failed to follow legal procurement procedures while purchasing medical supplies in 2020.
- Specifically, the purchase of 2.59 lakh N95 masks and an equal number of PPE kits for 17 government colleges and a super-specialty hospital came under scrutiny.
- Discrepancies in Supply and Documentation:
- The tender process for PPE kits was awarded, but it is alleged that the agreed quantities were never delivered to the hospitals.
- Documentation irregularities and discrepancies in invoicing have further intensified suspicions.
- Fraudulent Bidding and Private Company Involvement:
- A Mumbai-based company is accused of playing a central role in the fraudulent bidding process.
- Allegations include inflating prices and engaging in unethical practices with the alleged facilitation of certain government officials.
- Political Involvement Suspected:
- While the FIR does not name political figures, suspicions are high regarding their potential involvement, particularly from the former government.
Loss to State Exchequer
The complaint estimates that illegal procurement activities cost the state Rs 167 crore.
Special Investigation and Government Response
- The Vidhana Soudha police have initiated an investigation and are issuing notices to the accused.
- A Special Investigation Team (SIT) or CID inquiry is likely to be formed for an in-depth investigation.
Justice Michael D’Cunha Report Findings:
- A report submitted by Justice Michael D’Cunha earlier this month highlighted Covid-19 mismanagement during the BJP-led government:
- Failure to utilize Rs 447 crore allocated for relief and healthcare.
- Sending Covid-19 samples to unqualified private labs, resulting in excessive expenditures of up to Rs 6 crore.
- Following these findings, the Karnataka Government’s cabinet sub-committee held a meeting on December 7 to discuss actionable steps.
- Key leaders present included Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, Home Minister HM Parameshwara, and Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao.
Next Steps
- Notices are being issued to the accused officials and private entities.
- Political questioning is expected soon as the investigation unfolds.
- The SIT will focus on gathering further evidence and uncovering the extent of the alleged fraud.
The Karnataka government has promised strict action against those found guilty, as the investigation continues into what is shaping up to be a significant corruption case during the Covid-19 pandemic.