All about BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa whose son was caught taking bribe

Madal was the chairman of the state-owned Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), which makes the famous Mysore Sandal Soap.

BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa resigned as the chairman of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), after his son was caught in a bribe scam.

The anti-corruption wing of the Lokayukta raided the home of BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa's son Prashanth Madal and found the huge pile of cash.

Prashanth, a chief accountant in Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, was "caught red-handed" taking the bribe Rs 40 lakh. At least three bags of cash, worth Rs 1.75 crore, were found at the office, which has also been seized.

"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.

Chief Minister Bommai has promised an independed and fair probe in the case.

"We have re-established Lokayukta to curb corruption. During the Congress regime, with Lokayukta dissolved, a lot of cases were closed. We will investigate the cases which were closed. Lokayukta is an independent institution and our stand is clear. The institution will investigate independently and we will not interfere in it," he said.

Here are 5 facts on Karnataka BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa

Madal Virupakshappa is a BJP MLA from Channagiri in Davanagere district.

He was first elected from the Channagiri constituency in 2008 but lost his seat to Congress's Vadnal Rajanna in the 2013 elections.

Madal Virupakshappa had assets worth Rs 5.73 crore, according to ADR data.

The 58-year-old was the chairman of the state-owned Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), which makes the famous Mysore Sandal Soap.

In his resignation letter sent to the chief minister, he said there is no "relation" between him and the Lokayukta raid, which he termed as a conspiracy against him and his family.

"Despite that since an allegation has been levelled against me, I am taking moral responsibility and submitting my resignation from the post of KSDL Chairman". he said.