Karnataka’s Public Works minister faces ED sweep across multiple cities

A coordinated Enforcement Directorate operation has placed Karnataka’s Public Works minister, Satish Jarkiholi, under intense scrutiny. Search teams have been active in 18 locations spanning Bengaluru, Bellagavi, Gokak and Goa, marking the second consecutive day of action.

Authorities claim the probe targets possible contraventions of foreign investment rules and suspicious monetary transfers. The search began around midnight and continued till early morning, after which officers resumed at 6 a.m. to interview Jarkiholi at his government‑allocated house on Crescent Road. The minister was subsequently taken to his private dwelling in Dollars Colony for a more detailed examination.

Four distinct sites in Bellagavi—including the minister’s own home, his brother‑in‑law’s residence, and the house of senior revenue officer Y. Manjunath—were subject to searches. Manjunath’s wife was also interrogated regarding cross‑border financial flows.

In Gokak, the minister’s family members, notably his daughter and sitting Congress MP Priyanka Jarkiholi, were present as ED officers conducted a systematic raid. The area was cordoned off with CRPF support to maintain order.

The timing of the operation is notable, coming just as the state government marks its 100‑day milestone, a development that the opposition has seized upon as a sign of weakening credibility for the ruling party.