Lokayukta officials have recovered Rs 7.62 crore from the residences of a BJP MLA after he was caught red-handed taking a bribe of Rs 40 lakh from his son and his associates, sources confirmed on Friday. Has been places. Lokayukta officials have found cash at the residence and office of Prashant, son of BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa, who worked as the chief accountant of the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
The authorities have arrested five people, including Prashant, in this connection. Lokayukta sources said that Prashant’s relative Siddhesh, accountant Surendra and Nicholas and two others named Gangadhar, who came to hand over Rs 40 lakh in cash, have been arrested. The accused will be produced before the Lokayukta Special Court and taken into custody for further investigation.
Raids were also conducted at the residence and office of BJP MLA from Channagiri constituency Madal Virupakshappa at KMV Mansion in Sanjaynagar area of Bengaluru. The authorities seized documents and other evidence from the residences. Prashant was caught red-handed by the Lokayukta on Thursday while accepting a bribe of Rs 40 lakh.
The development is being seen as a serious setback for the ruling BJP. The incident comes at a time when the opposition is attacking “40 per cent commission” and bribery in government tenders. The Congress has said that the raids proved their allegations of corruption and commission charges.
Prashant had demanded a bribe of Rs 80 lakh in connection with a tender process and was caught taking Rs 40 lakh in his office.
A complaint was registered regarding the award of tender for providing raw material to Karnataka Soap and Detergent Limited (KSDL). Prashant’s father Madal Virupakshappa is the chairman of KSDL.
The officials are preparing to interrogate BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa after receiving bribe money from KSDL chairman for the tender for purchase of raw material.
The Lokayukta has registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act and started investigation.
Sources said that Prashant was an accused in the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KIRDL) embezzlement case of Rs 55 crore. Prashant and two others were suspended by the government and the case was handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). A case has been registered in this regard at Surathkal police station.
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