The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted search operations at 18 premises across Karnataka and Maharashtra as part of an investigation under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The searches are reportedly connected with alleged financial irregularities involving the Karnataka Excise Department and suspected overseas investments.
The premises searched include locations associated with Karnataka Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi, his associates, his daughter and Chikkodi Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Jarkiholi, Excise Department Additional Commissioner Manjunath, and close associate Raju Darashietty.
According to the investigation, the agency is examining the alleged movement of funds arising from suspected irregularities in the excise sector to an African mining company through overseas transactions. The ED is examining the financial trail and related foreign-exchange transactions as part of the FEMA probe.
Following the searches, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar criticised the action, describing it as unfortunate and alleging political vendetta. He defended Satish Jarkiholi and stated that the minister had not committed any wrongdoing.
The Congress party also criticised the central government and alleged that investigative agencies were being used against opposition leaders and political figures ahead of elections. These allegations represent the party's response to the searches, while the ED investigation remains focused on the financial and foreign-exchange aspects of the matter. CASansaar