Karnataka Covid Fund Scam Surfaces: ₹1,000 Crore Allegedly Misappropriated During BJP Rule

A new controversy has surfaced in Karnataka, overshadowing the ongoing MUDA land scam headlines. This latest scandal involves allegations of large-scale misappropriation of Covid-19 funds during the tenure of former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. A preliminary report, led by Justice John Michael D’Cunha, was discussed in a recent cabinet meeting, revealing several irregularities in the management of these funds.

According to insiders, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pointed out three key observations from the report. The judge raised concerns over the suspected embezzlement of hundreds of crores from the Covid relief budget. Additionally, the report highlighted that several crucial files were not provided to the inquiry panel despite repeated requests. Sources suggest that close to ₹1,000 crore may have been diverted, though the total Covid expenditure in the state was ₹13,000 crore.

The government has granted the D’Cunha committee a six-month extension to finalize its findings, with a possibility of tabling the report during the winter session of parliament. The current interim report, spanning over 1,000 pages in multiple volumes, will now undergo analysis by senior officers, who are expected to deliver a detailed review within a month.

Regarding the “scam-for-scam” accusations, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil rejected the notion, calling it “unfortunate.” He clarified that the MUDA scam is a recent issue, while the D’Cunha committee was formed over a year ago, dismissing any link between the two.

The D’Cunha report could offer political relief to the Congress, particularly Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is facing BJP-led allegations over the MUDA land allocation scandal. This case involves claims that his wife, BM Parvathi, received compensatory land from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), allegedly exceeding the value of the land surrendered.

With both controversies evolving, political tensions in Karnataka continue to escalate, with allegations from both parties intensifying as investigations move forward.