Karnataka BJP MLA K Madal Virupakshappa, accused in bribery case, gets rousing welcome after securing bail

BENGALURU: Hours after the Karnataka high court on Tuesday granted interim anticipatory bail to Channagiri BJP MLA K Madal Virupakshappa in a bribery case, he got a rousing welcome from his supporters.

Virupakshappa, who had been absent from the public eye for six days following a Lokayukta raid on his son Prashant Madal, who was purportedly caught accepting a bribe of Rs 40 lakh, made an appearance in court.

As he visited the Channakeshav temple, his supporters arranged a grand procession holding BJP flags.

He was reportedly fleeing because he was afraid of being apprehended by Lokayukta police. The court had restricted his freedom of movement.

He had asked for anticipatory bail since he is the primary accused in the corruption case. He appeared before the public in his constituency as soon as he was granted bail.

Speaking to reporters, Virupakshappa said that the party had expelled him from the primary membership.
"However, I will not quit the BJP. I will prove my innocence in the case and I will get a clean chit in a legal battle. A heavy amount was found at my home but it was gained from betelnut crop. We will produce all required documents pertaining to cash before the court, income tax department and any other appropriate agency," he added.
When he asked about his son's trapping by Lokayukta, he said that some unknown person came to his son's office and kept the cash of Rs 40 lakh.
“Though my son was denying it, Lokayukta sleuths forcibly kept the cash in my son's hands. It looks like it's a conspiracy of some of our political opponents like Congress leaders. Congress might have hatched the conspiracy to tarnish my image in public," he alleged.
He said that he would come out of all conspiracies and get a clean chit in all cases.