Karnataka: BJP MLA Y Sampangi convicted in bribery case

Bangalore: The Lokayukta Special court on Saturday convicted BJP MLA from Kolar Gold Fields Y Sampangi in a bribery case. Sampangi was sentenced to three and half years in jail and a fine of Rs 40,000 has been imposed on him. Sampangi was reportedly caught by the Lokayukta police while accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh from a businessman.

This is the first ever conviction of a legislator in Karnataka under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The judge directed the Lokayukta Deputy Superintendent of Police to issue arrest warrant on Sampangi and take him into custody.

BJP MLA Y Sampangi was caught by the Lokayukta police while accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh from a businessman.

Sampangi, who represents Kolar Gold Fields assembly constituency, was trapped by Lokayukta police on January 29, 2009 while accepting Rs 50,000 and a cheque for Rs 4.5 lakh from a person to settle a civil dispute.

He was found guilty under section 13 (1) d of the Prevention of Corruption Act in the trial that lasted more than three years.

Sampangi's conviction has come as an added embarrassment to the ruling BJP in the state where several of its leaders, including former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, are battling cases of corruption in courts.

(With additional information from PTI)

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