ED Conducts Searches at Premises Linked to Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, MP’s Daughter

BENGALURU: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted searches at multiple premises linked to Karnataka Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi, his daughter and Chikkodi MP Priyanka Jarkiholi, and some others as part of an ongoing investigation, officials said.

According to the officials, the central agency is carrying out searches at around 18 premises in Karnataka. The locations being searched include the residence of the 64-year-old minister in Bengaluru’s Dollars Colony.

The ED has also covered premises linked to Priyanka Jarkiholi, who represents the Chikkodi Lok Sabha constituency in Parliament.

The searches are part of an investigation being conducted by the financial probe agency. Officials did not immediately disclose details of the case or the specific allegations being examined.

ED searches are generally conducted as part of investigations into suspected financial irregularities, money laundering or related offences. During such operations, agency officials may examine documents and electronic records and question individuals connected with the investigation.

The searches involving the premises linked to a serving Karnataka minister and a sitting Lok Sabha member are likely to draw significant political attention in the state.

As of Wednesday, further details about the nature of the investigation, the findings of the searches or any possible seizures were awaited.

The ED action comes amid continued scrutiny by central investigative agencies in cases involving alleged financial irregularities and money laundering. However, the searches themselves do not establish wrongdoing, and the allegations, if any, will have to be established through the course of the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.

Officials are expected to provide more information as the searches progress.