The Karnataka government has suspended GP Raghu, a senior official in the state accounts and auditing department, following an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the procurement of PPE kits and medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Raghu, who served as the financial advisor to the department of medical education at the time, is accused of violating the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act by making purchases without government approval.
The suspension order stated, “Upon review of the investigation report dated 27.12.2023, it is clear that tender procurement rules were violated while purchasing PPE kits and other equipment by the Directorate of Medical Education.”
This action follows findings from an interim report filed by a commission investigating various financial misappropriations that occurred during the pandemic. The panel, led by retired Karnataka High Court judge Justice John Michael D’Cunha, submitted its interim report to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on August 31, 2024.
The inquiry commission uncovered over Rs 7,000 crore in financial irregularities related to COVID-19 procurement, including instances of missing files. The report, which referenced findings from the public accounts committee, alleges that violations occurred during the previous BJP administration when Dr. K. Sudhakar was the health minister.
The Karnataka Cabinet is expected to discuss the interim report in an upcoming meeting. There are indications that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) may be formed to delve deeper into the irregularities highlighted in the report.
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