Who is Madal Virupakshappa, Karnataka BJP MLA facing heat over his son taking Rs 40 lakh bribe?

New Delhi: Madal Virupakshappa, the BJP MLA from Channagiri constituency of Karnataka has shot to fame for the wrong reason and is drawing fire from all quarters. His son was caught on camera, on Friday, taking Rs 40 lakh bribe by the Lokayutka officials. A whopping amount of Rs 6 crore cash was also recovered from his parental residence.

Following unraveling of bribe-taking episode by his son, the BJP MLA came under fire and has now resigned as the Chairman of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited, the manufacturer of Mysore Sandal Soap.

MLA Virupakshappa’s son Prashanth Madal, is chief accountant at Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). He was caught red-handed by the Lokayukta officials while taking bribe of Rs 40 lakh at the KSDL office.

After son was caught taking bribe, the residence & office of MLA Virupakshappa were searched. In the searches, the Lokayukta found a huge pile-up of cash to the tune of Rs 1.7 crore from the KSDL office and Rs 6 crore were recovered from MLA’s residence.

The MLA’s son was caught off guard as the Lokayukta sleuths laid a trap to apprehend him with ample proof, as a man approached these officials with verified information.

Virupakshappa is a two-time legislator. He began his political stint with Congress but switched sides to BJP in 2004 polls. He emerged victorious. He tasted victory again in 2008 polls and then went to join Karnataka Janata Paksha (KJP), an outfit floated by B S Yediyurappa.