Karnataka Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday searched 18 premises linked to Karnataka Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi, his family members and associates in Bengaluru, Belagavi and Gokak. The searches are part of a case registered against Mr. Jarkiholi,The searches covered the residences of his daughter and Chikkodi Congress MP Priyanka Jarkiholi, his son Rahul Jarkiholi, and other associates and business premises.ED officials were examining documents and electronic devices for evidence relating to alleged foreign investments, fund transfers and business dealings, including investments in mining, sugar and real estate, according to officials. The agency is also examining an alleged overseas investment in a school in an African country.Liquor LicencesThe searches come months after the ED said it had uncovered an “organised syndicate” involving public officials, intermediaries and private individuals in the alleged collection and distribution of bribes in the liquor licensing process. The agency alleged that some officials obtained liquor licences in the names of family members or entities controlled by them and operated the businesses indirectly. Jarkiholi served as Karnataka’s Excise Minister from 2013 to 2016.Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday said the searches were politically motivated and defended Jarkiholi, saying, “Satish Jarkiholi is an honest politician, and we are confident that he has not committed any wrongdoing.”Shivakumar alleged that central agencies were being used to target the Congress as the State government approached its 100-day milestone. He said the Congress was not opposed to investigations but would oppose attempts to make false allegations or mislead the public.Leader Back JarkiholiOn the ED’s reported examination of alleged violations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), Shivakumar said Indian residents were permitted to invest and conduct businesses abroad and that there was nothing wrong with members of Jarkiholi’s family having overseas businesses.Meanwhile, Labour, Employment and Dharwad district in-charge Minister Santosh Lad also backed Jarkiholi, saying the Congress would stand by him. He expressed confidence that the latter would “emerge clean”. Lad also claimed that the ED focused on Congress leaders while alleging that similar action had not been taken against BJP leaders across the country.Published on September 9, 2026
