Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday decided to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a seven-member Cabinet sub-committee to act on reports of the Covid scam. The decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The Justice Michael D'Cunha Commission of Inquiry has submitted this report after investigating alleged irregularities in the purchase of equipment and medicines during the Covid pandemic when the BJP was in power. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil said, in a 'partial' report presented on August 31, the commission investigated expenditure of Rs 7,223.64 crore.

Details about people involved in the scam are not given in this report

The commission has recommended to recover Rs 500 crore in this case. Details about the people involved in this scam are not in this report. This detail may be in the final report.

Report sought from four zones and 31 districts of the state

The commission has sought reports from four zones of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and 31 districts of the state. It is yet to receive the reports. A partial report has been submitted after verifying 55,000 files from the concerned departments.

Orders to start recovery proceedings immediately

The minister said that based on the report, it has been decided to form an SIT and a cabinet sub-committee for review and monitoring. It has also been decided to immediately initiate recovery proceedings and blacklist companies or establishments involved in wrongdoing.