Alleged COVID-19 Scam: Former CM Yediyurappa To Face Prosecution

Bengaluru: Former Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa and minister for Health & Family Welfare B Sriramulu will face prosecution in the COVID-19 scam that allegedly took place during the previous BJP-led government in the southern state.

An inquiry commission, headed by retired high court judge Michael D’Cunha, found enough evidence in its investigation to recommend the prosecution of Yediyurappa under Section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act.

Yediyurappa was unfazed.

“No need to worry about COVID-related prosecutions. We followed all legal protocols during the pandemic. Their actions are politically motivated and pointless. I am confident that I have done nothing wrong. Any investigation will reveal the truth. Congress is simply trying to dig up the past,” the BJP leader said.

The probe was ordered following allegations of irregularities in the procurement of 3 lakh PPE kits from Chinese companies during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The report, submitted by Justice D’Cunha to the state government, has been accessed by India Today TV.

As per the report, the Yediyurappa-helmed state government approved large purchases of PPE kits, medicines and medical equipment in March-April, 2020. These were acquired from Chinese suppliers DHB Global and Big Pharmaceuticals at prices much higher than those offered by local companies.

While companies like Plasti Surge Industries Pvt. Ltd sold PPE kits initially at Rs 330.40 per kit, which later rose to Rs 725, DHB Global charged around Rs 2,115 per kit.

The inquiry report said that Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (KSMSCL) opted for direct orders, rather than going through competitive bidding, and this was reportedly supported by both the CM and Health minister.

Procurement irregularities amounted to around Rs 150 crore, the report pointed out, implicating high-ranked officials and questioning transparency of the process.

Incumbent Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said that the allegations raised by Opposition parties at that time have now been vindicated by Justice D’Cunha’s findings.

“They amassed huge wealth during Covid when people were dying. They saw an opportunity to make a quick buck,” Rao alleged.