Karnataka govt decides to constitute SIT to take action on report on COVID-19 'scam'
Bengaluru, Oct 10: The Karnataka government on Thursday decided to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a Cabinet sub-committee to take further action on the report by the Justice Michael D' Cunha Commission of Inquiry which investigated alleged irregularities in the purchase of equipment and medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic when the BJP was in power.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
In the "partial" report submitted on August 31 in 11 volumes, the commission examined the expenditure to the tune of Rs 7,223.64 crore, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil told reporters later, adding, "they have not pinpointed that so much (scale) is misappropriation."
He, however, said the commission has recommended recovery of Rs 500 crore.
The Commission has sought reports from four zones in Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and 31 districts of the state and it's yet to receive them, he said. The "partial" report has been submitted after verifying 55,000 files from the concerned departments.
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The Minister said based on the report, as criminal intent is also involved, it has been decided to constitute an SIT, and also a Cabinet sub-committee for "review and monitoring."
It has also been decided to begin the recovery proceedings immediately and to black list those companies or establishments involved in the wrongdoing.
"Wherever the criminal element is there, SIT will naturally look into it. Apart from that, the Cabinet sub-committee will be assisted by relevant officers to go into details of other malpractices. The details about those involved are not there in this report and it may come in the final report," Patil added.
The Cabinet also decided withdraw 43 criminal cases registered in various police stations in the State.
It also gave its approval for extending by an year the term of the SIT constituted in the Karnataka Lokayukta for investigating the illegalities in mining, with a probe into several cases still pending, he said.
Administrative approval has also been given for construction of "Reshme Bhavana" at an estimated cost of Rs 527.50 crore on 4.25 acres of land owned by the Department of Sericulture at Okalipuram here with entire investment by Karnataka State Minerals Corporation Limited (KSMCL).
The Cabinet also gave its nod for construction of hi-tech Cocoon market at Shidlaghatta in Chikkaballapura district at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crores.
It also decided to create Karnataka Skill Development Corporation under Companies Act, 2013.
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Man threatens acid attack on Journalist Shahbaz Ansar’s wife’s over clothing choice in Karnataka
Bengaluru: In a disturbing incident, an individual named Nikith Shetty allegedly threatened Journalist Shahbaz Ansar on social media, claiming he would splash acid on Ansar's wife's face due to her choice of clothing, especially in the context of Karnataka. The exact background of the conversation is still unclear, but the threat has sparked serious concerns.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Shahbaz shared a screenshot of the message, stating, "This is serious. @DgpKarnataka @CMofKarnataka @DKShivakumar. This person is threatening to throw acid on my wife's face for her choice of clothes. Please take immediate action against this person to prevent any incident from happening."
This is serious. @DgpKarnataka @CMofKarnataka @DKShivakumar . This person is threatening to throw acid on my wife's face for her choice of clothes. Please take immediate action against this person to prevent any incident from happening. pic.twitter.com/N6fxS59Kqm
— Shahbaz Ansar (@ShahbazAnsar_) October 9, 2024
In another post, Shahbaz revealed that the person threatening his wife worked at Etios Digital Services, further raising safety concerns about the work environment at the company.
The person who was threatening my wife with acid attack works for Etios digital services. I don't think women are safe in this organisation. pic.twitter.com/xgpqGt2XyJ
— Shahbaz Ansar (@ShahbazAnsar_) October 10, 2024
Following public outrage, Etios Services released a statement condemning the actions of their employee and announced that Nikith Shetty had been terminated for five years. The company also confirmed that they had filed a case against him to ensure legal accountability.
Local police also replied to Ansar’s tweet and asked him to send details on the incident and his contact number. They also asked Ansar to reach nearest police station and file a complaint against Shetty.
The company’s statement read:
Important Announcement from Etios Services
We are deeply saddened to address a serious incident involving one of our employees, Nikith Shetty, who made a threatening statement regarding another individual’s choice of clothing. This behaviour is absolutely unacceptable and goes against the core values we uphold at Etios Services.
As a company committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment, we have taken immediate action. Nikith's employment has been terminated for a period of five years, and we have filed a case against him to ensure accountability for his actions.
At Etios Services, we believe in promoting respect and dignity for all individuals. We stand firmly against any form of harassment or violence. Our commitment to creating a safe workplace is unwavering, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to uphold this standard.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate this situation. Together, let’s work towards a more respectful and inclusive community.
