ED conducts searches at multiple locations linked to Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Wednesday launched searches at multiple premises linked to Karnataka's Public Works Department Minister, Satish Jarkiholi. The action is underway at his residences in Bengaluru, Belagavi and Gokak, along with other locations.

Officials are also searching over 15 premises, including the residences of his family members, associates, and businesses connected to the Jarkiholi family. It remains unclear whether the Minister is present at any of the locations being searched.

The development follows an earlier ED action in June this year against Y. Manjunath, a senior Excise official and Jarkiholi's brother-in-law, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. That probe stemmed from a Lokayukta Police FIR alleging corruption by excise officials, including the granting of liquor licenses in violation of rules.

At the time, the ED had described an "organised syndicate involving public officials, intermediaries and private individuals engaged in systematic collection and distribution of bribes." It alleged that officials obtained liquor licences in the names of family members or entities they controlled.

Jarkiholi, who held the Excise portfolio between 2013 and 2016, had previously said he did not understand the basis for the raids on his brother-in-law, though he declined to label the action politically motivated.

The agency has not yet clarified whether the current searches are connected to the earlier excise case or constitute a fresh investigation.