Karnataka BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa on Monday, March 6 moved a bail petition in the Karnataka High Court seeking relief from the arrest in connection with the Lokayukta trap case. Virupakshappa is named as the prime accused in the Lokayukta trap case. His son, Prashanth Madal, a government official, was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 40 lakh bribe.
The MLA's counsel, Sandeep, requested the court to hear the matter on the basis of emergency. Taking up the petition, the bench headed by Justice K Natarajan posted the hearing for Tuesday. If the court rejects the bail plea, the arrest of MLA Virupakshappa will become imminent and the ruling BJP party, which is already severely embarrassed by the development, is concerned about the consequences if he is arrested, said sources.
The bribe was allegedly received towards procurement of tender for supplying raw materials to the Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), a public sector company which manufactures the famous Mysore Sandal Soap. Virupakshappa was the Chairman of KSDL. He resigned from the post following the Lokayukta action. The authorities had seized Rs 8.12 crore and 1.6 kg gold from the residences of Virupakshappa and Prashanth.
The Congress party has given a bandh call over the issue and attacked the ruling BJP. Opposition leader Siddaramaiah and Congress state President DK Shivakumar stated that the Lokayukta case has provided clinching evidence to their allegations of 40 per cent commission in tenders and rampant corruption practiced by the ruling BJP government. The BJP, on the other hand, tried to defend the situation by maintaining that it is under their government that the Lokayukta started functioning and the Congress had closed it to cover up its scandals.
