BBMP to expand Covid-19 scam probe to four other zones too

BENGALURU: After launching a probe into alleged Covid-19 irregularities in four zones of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits and preparing to issue notices to 28 officials, the civic body is now planning to launch an investigation into any irregularities in the other four zones — Yelahanka, South, Bommanahalli and West.

This comes after a probe was initiated in Mahadevapura, RR Nagar, East and Dasarahalli zones. The BBMP has already prepares to issue notices to officials in the engineering, accounts and health departments in these zones.

A committee under Justice (retd) Michael D’Cunha had pointed out to irregularites in Covid-19 spending during the previous BJP government’s tenure and presented a report to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The first FIR in the alleged Covid-19 scam was also filed a few days ago.

Palike special commissioner (health) Vikas Kishore Suralkar said, “The Justice (retd) Michael D’Cunha committee had submitted a partial report regarding the BBMP’s jurisdiction wherein he has mentioned about expenses incurred at our head office and the four zonal offices. Based on the points mentioned in the reports, we are seeking explanations from officials. The report makes observations about the Covid care centre which had been set up at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), samples sent to labs for testing, etc. If there are irregularities or lapses, actions will be taken as per rules”.