BENGALURU: The anti-corruption wing of Lokayukta on Friday raided the residence of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Madal Virupakshappa’s son Prashant Madal and recovered Rs 8.12 crore in cash.
Two days ago, Shreyas Kashyap complained to the Lokayukta that MLA Madal Virupakshappa, the chairman of the KSDL Corporation, had demanded an Rs 81 lakh bribe for the procurement a tender for supply of raw materials. Based on Kashyap’s complaint, an FIR was filed against Channagiri BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa and his son Prashant Madal.
After the complaint was lodged, the Lokayukta officials swung into action and the officers caught Virupakshappa’s son while taking a bribe of Rs 40 lakh on Thursday evening.
“The anti-corruption branch of Lokayukta yesterday caught Prashanth Maadal, son of BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa while taking a bribe of Rs 40 lakh. Over Rs 2.02 crore in cash was recovered from his office,” Karnataka Lokayukta B S Patil said.
After the raid, Lokayukta officials checked the documents and they arrested Prashant Madal and four others including Siddesh, his relative, Surendra, an accountant, Nicholas and Gangadhar, who came to give the money. The officials are now tracking the source of the money.
According to Lokayukta, more than Rs 2 crore in cash was found at Prashanth Madal’s office. Virupakshappa’s son Prashant Madal is the chief accountant at Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). Madal Virupakshappa is the chairman of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL). Further investigation is under way, officials added.
“We have re-established Lokayukta to bring corruption under control. Without the Lokayukta, the cases from the Congress period were closed. We will support an unbiased investigation. The Lokayukta is independent and they should do an unbiased investigation. Whoever made the mistake should be punished. We will stand by our decision. Let the truth come out”, said CM Basavaraj Bommai. (With ANI inputs)