Daijiworld Media Network – Belagavi
Belagavi, Sep 9: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday September 9, conducted searches at around 18 locations linked to Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi, weeks after the agency conducted searches at properties linked to his brother-in-law, Y Manjunath, joint commissioner in the Excise Department.
Searches were carried out at the minister’s residence in Dollars Colony, Bengaluru, government residential quarters, and properties in Belagavi and Gokak. The searches are reportedly part of an investigation into alleged irregularities, including the distribution of bar licences, and other financial matters.
The searches, which began in the early hours, were also conducted at locations linked to Jarkiholi’s daughter and Chikkodi MP Priyanka Jarkiholi, as well as other places associated with the family.
According to sources close to Jarkiholi, searches were also conducted at some locations in Maharashtra.
The action is reportedly part of the ED’s investigation into alleged corruption in the Excise Department. The agency is investigating alleged irregularities in the issuance of 18 bar licences and suspected illegal financial transactions.
Investigators are reportedly examining whether Satish Jarkiholi used his influence to facilitate the issuance of the bar licences and whether money allegedly generated through the irregularities was subsequently transferred abroad or invested in foreign countries.
During the earlier searches at Manjunath’s properties, cash, gold and foreign currency were reportedly recovered. The agency is also said to be investigating suspected illegal foreign funds worth around Rs 3 crore.
ED officials are examining documents, details of financial transactions and electronic information to trace the alleged money trail and determine the roles of individuals connected with the case.
Searches are continuing at several locations. According to sources, ED officials have also searched the residences of Jarkiholi’s close associates, including Raju Dargashetty of Gokak, Dr Girish Sonawalkar of Belagavi and Vitthal Parasannavar.
The ED has clarified that Wednesday’s searches at the residence and properties linked to Minister Satish Jarkiholi are not connected with the searches conducted at the residence of Manjunath a few weeks ago.
The agency said the present searches were linked to an alleged money laundering case involving Satish Jarkiholi and were unrelated to the allegations of excise-related irregularities against his brother-in-law Manjunath.
The ED said the searches were conducted in connection with allegations relating to investments made abroad.
According to the ED, searches were conducted at the residences of Satish Jarkiholi and his associates under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.
Officials are examining alleged illegal investments and financial transactions carried out in foreign countries.
The ED said the searches involving Satish Jarkiholi relate to a separate case being investigated under FEMA, 1999. The investigation concerns allegations of illegal investments in various countries, including South Africa and Uganda.
Officials are examining whether any funds or investments were made by Satish Jarkiholi in connection with these alleged foreign investments.
Accordingly, ED officials are scrutinising documents relating to foreign investments, money transfers, properties and financial transactions at the minister’s residences and other locations.