Karnataka BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa has resigned as KSLD chairman, a day after his son Prashant Madal was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 40 lakh. Earlier today, Rs 6 crore in cash was recovered from Prashant’s residence in fresh raids.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 3, 2023 13:25 IST
Anti-corruption officials at Prashant Madal’s office (Photo: ANI)
By India Today News Desk: A political storm erupted in Karnataka after state BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa’s son Prashant Madal was on Thursday caught red-handed taking a bribe of Rs 40 lakh, which led to his arrest. Hours later, the Karnataka government’s anti-corruption watchdog conducted fresh searches at Prashant Madal’s residence and confirmed the recovery of Rs 6 crore in cash.
Facing heat from the anti-corruption wing of Lokayukta, Madal Virupakshappa today resigned as the chairman of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), the manufacturer of Mysore Sandal Soap.
Virupakshappa’s tenure was to last 40 days more.
WHO ARE VIRUPAKSHAPPAS
Madal Virupakshappa is an MLA from Channagiri in the Davanagere district of Karnataka.
He is also the chairman of the state-owned Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited.
His son, Prashanth Madal, is the chief accountant at Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
KARNATAKA BJP MLA, HIS SON UNDER FIRE IN CORRUPTION CASE | DEVELOPMENTS SO FAR
- Sitting Karnataka BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa’s son Prashant Madal was caught red-handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 40 lakh on Thursday.
- The anti-corruption wing of Lokayukta received a complaint about the demand for a bribe, following which a team reached Prashant Madal’s office. A video, now viral on social media, showed Prashant receiving the bribe at his office.
- Official sources with the Lokayukta said Rs 2.2 crore in cash was found at Prashant’s office. Later, in a statement, the Karnataka Lokayukta confirmed, “The anti-corruption branch of Lokayukta caught Prashanth Maadal, son of BJP MLA Maadal Virupakshappa while taking a bribe of Rs 40 lakh.”
- Prashant Madal was arrested, which led to fresh searches at his residence.
- A team of the anti-corruption wing of Lokayukta recovered Rs 6 crore in cash from Prashant’s residential premises, while they said the searches were still on.
- Facing protests, BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa today resigned as the KSDL chairman.
- In a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, he stated, “there is some conspiracy against my family. I’m submitting resignation under moral responsibility as there is an allegation against me.”
- BS Patil, an official of the Karnataka Lokayukta told news agency ANI said five people were apprehended in the case and an FIR was registered. Those accused in the matter will soon be revealed, he said.
