Mysore/Mysuru, April 26 -- The Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) has shut down its controversial 'secret' VIP counter at the Centenary Building of its Manandavadi Road showroom, following public outcry.

For years, ordinary customers, many from poor and middle-class families, queued up as early as 5 am, waiting for hours to purchase the much-sought-after Mysore Silk sarees.

However, a special VIP counter operated daily from 3 pm at the KSIC Centenary Hall, where select customers carrying recommendation letters from the Bengaluru-based General Manager were allowed to bypass the queue and purchase sarees of their choice. While regular buyers waited for hours, influential customers were able to complete their purchases within min...