Lokayukta Raid: Karnataka BJP MLA steps down as KSDL chairman

Bengaluru (Karnataka): Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Madal Virupakshappa on Friday resigned as the chairman of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) hours after the anti-corruption wing of Lokayukta raided the house of his son Prashant Madal and recovered Rs 6 crore cash. BJP MLA Virupakshappa submitted his resignation to Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai.

In a letter, Virupakshappa claimed that there was some conspiracy against his family. "I am submitting my resignation under moral responsibility to Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) because there is an allegation against me." he said in the letter.

Earlier on Friday morning, the anti-corruption wing of Lokayukta raided the residence of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Madal Virupakshappa's son Prashant Madal and recovered Rs 6 crore cash.

On Thursday, Karnataka Lokayukta officers caught Virupakshappa's son while taking a bribe of Rs 40 lakh.

"The anti-corruption branch of Lokayukta yesterday caught Prashanth Madal, son of BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa while taking a bribe of Rs 40 lakh. Over Rs 1.7 crore in cash was recovered from his office," Karnataka Lokayukta said.

Lokayukta was on duty after getting a complaint about the demand for a bribe. According to Lokayukta, more than Rs 1.7 crore in cash was found at Prashanth Madal's office. Notably, Madal Virupakshappa was the chairman of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL). While his son Prashant Madal is a chief accountant at Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). Further investigation is underway, officials added.

(ANI)