Bengaluru: An FIR has been registered against several Karnataka government officials in connection with alleged fraud during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The case involves the purchase of PPE kits and N95 masks, resulting in a loss of Rs167 crore to the state.
The complaint, filed by Dr M Vishnuprasad, Chief Accounting Officer of the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), accuses senior officials, including a former DME Director, of bypassing legal procurement procedures. While no political figures have been named, there are suspicions about their potential involvement.
The allegations date back to 2020, when the state government ordered 2.59 lakh N95 masks and the same number of PPE kits for medical staff.
The complaint claims that a Mumbai-based company played a key role in inflating prices and manipulating the tender process.
It also states that the required supplies were never delivered and that falsified documentation was used to cover up the discrepancies.
Investigations are ongoing, and notices have been issued to the accused. Authorities are considering forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for a deeper probe. This follows a recent report by Justice Michael D’Cunha, which revealed mismanagement of Covid-19 relief funds and raised concerns over the allocation of Rs 447 crore meant for healthcare.
The investigation could have significant consequences for those involved, including the possibility of political implications.
