Karnataka BJP MLA, Madal Virupakshappa, stepped down from the post of chairman of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited, the manufacturer of Mysore Sandal Soap after the anti-corruption wing of Lokayukta seized Rs 6 crore from his home.

In a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, the MLA stated, "There is some conspiracy against my family. I'm submitting resignation under moral responsibility as there is an allegation against me."

Virupakshappa, the MLA from Channagiri in the Davanagere district, is 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).

On Thursday, Prashanth Madal, a 2008 batch Karnataka Administrative Services officer,was caught red-handed while taking a bribe of Rs 40 lakh at the KSDL office. He was taking bribe from a contractor for awarding a deal to purchase raw materials required to manufacture soap and other detergents. 

The accused had allegedly demanded Rs 81 lakh from the contractor, who approached the Lokayukta a week ago and then the trap was laid.

"The money was received on behalf of the KSDL chairman Virupakshappa for raw material procurement. The trap was laid at 6.45 pm. Chairman of KSDL and the accused, who received money, are father-and-son," Lokayukta sources added. 

He was placed under arrest. Following this, the Karnataka government's anti-corruption watchdog conducted searches at Virupakshappa's residence and offices.

It has been reported that apart from the 40 lakh bribe, the Lokayukta officials also seized Rs 1.7 crore from the BJP MLA's son Prashanth Kumar’s office.

An official from Lokayukta said, "We conducted searches at his office and found Rs 1.7 crore. We suspect Prashanth was receiving bribes on behalf of his father. We are investigating the source of the money we found at his office."

After the matter came to light, opposition Congress launched a scathing attack on the BJP, referring to it as the "Bhrasht Janta Party".

"Ugly stench of Corruption of #40PercentSarkara has soiled the beautiful scent of Mysore Sandal Soap also. 1st, the KSDL Chairman-BJP MLA Virupakshappa’s son is caught taking ₹40 Lakh bribe & within 24 hours, ₹6,00,00,000 recovered from house (sic)," tweeted Congress leader Randeep Surjewala.

Image source: Twitter