Bengaluru: Days after the Commission led by retired High Court Judge John Michael Cunha delivered its 1,722-page interim report to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on alleged irregularities in the management of Rs. 7,200 crore in COVID-19 funds, the Karnataka Cabinet has decided to refer the report to a committee headed by the State Chief Secretary.

This committee is tasked with analysing the findings and recommending follow-up actions.

The report, submitted to the CM on August 31, has been given a six-month extension to complete its inquiry. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil announced after the cabinet meeting that a team of top officials, including Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh and Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) L.K. Atheeq will review Justice Cunha’s report and propose next steps within a month.

Patil revealed that the CM said the report uncovered misappropriation amounting to hundreds of crores of rupees and noted the absence of  several key files.

When asked if the report named specific individuals, officials, or institutions, Patil did not confirm but indicated that he had not yet reviewed the details. Sources suggest that the report highlights a misappropriation of Rs. 1,120 crore.