The Enforcement Directorate has continued search operations for a second consecutive day against Karnataka Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, covering about 18 locations in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Gokak, and Goa. The raids targeted properties linked to the minister, his family, and close associates, including his daughter and Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Jarkiholi, and his brother-in-law, who is a serving excise commissioner. Investigators recovered around three crore rupees in cash and seized digital devices, documents, and financial records from multiple sites.
The agency questioned Jarkiholi directly at his residence regarding the source and nature of certain transactions. Officials stated that the searches focus on suspected irregularities in foreign investments, financial transactions, and regional mining dealings. No formal charges have been filed against the minister as the investigation continues.
The raids prompted sharp political reactions in Karnataka, with the ruling Congress party accusing the central agency of trying to destabilise the state government and sparking protests against what it called politically motivated harassment. The BJP defended the action as a legitimate anti-corruption exercise without political interference.