SIT to probe 40% commission allegations in Karnataka

Bengaluru

The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the 40% commission allegations against the previous BJP government. This decision comes after the Justice Nagmohan Das Commission submitted its report confirming irregularities.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil informed the media that the SIT will complete its investigation in two months and submit the report to the government. The findings will later be discussed in the cabinet meeting.

“Out of three lakh works, Justice Nagamohan Das report took a sample of 1,729 works and conducted inquiry,” Patil said. He further stated, “The report is in two volumes. It endorses the allegations of irregularities.”

The report highlights issues such as excess fund releases, unauthorized No Objection Certificates, and interference in the tender process.

“The SIT will include experts from the field… and will look into the entire matter, not just the sampled works,” the Minister added. The state government hopes the SIT will ensure transparency and accountability in public project implementation.

The Karnataka State Contractors Association (KSCA) on Thursday claimed that "unseen hands and brokers" were active in the offices of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and two other senior Cabinet Ministers.

QUOTE

Are they (contractors) not aware of the department's budget? How did they take up the contract when there is no grant?" "During the BJP tenure, contracts worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore were awarded by my department alone. MLAs are requesting for payment of these contract bills.

-         DK Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister