The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out extensive searches across 21 locations linked to Karnataka Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi, his family members, and business associates. The operation spanned multiple cities, including Bengaluru, Belagavi, Gokak, and Kolkata, under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). According to central agency officials, the searches resulted in the seizure of ₹3.45 crore in cash along with undisclosed foreign currency.
Investigators are examining allegations regarding undisclosed overseas investments, cross-border financial transactions, and suspected shareholdings in foreign business entities in African nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, including gold mining assets. Search teams accompanied by Central Armed Police Forces searched Jarkiholi's official residence and office in Bengaluru, as well as properties belonging to his daughter, Chikkodi Member of Parliament Priyanka Jarkiholi, and close relatives.
Minister Satish Jarkiholi denied any wrongdoing, stating that he has not made illegal foreign investments and will legally challenge the central agency's claims. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and other senior Congress leaders defended the minister, terming the raids politically motivated. The ongoing probe has sparked a sharp political debate between the ruling Congress party and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party in the state.
