ED Raids Premises Linked to Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi; Over 15 Locations Searched

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, began searches at multiple premises linked to Satish Jarkiholi, Karnataka's Minister for Public Works. The coordinated operation, being conducted by several teams of officials, spans his residences in Bengaluru, Belagavi and Gokak, as well as properties belonging to family members, associates and business entities connected to the Jarkiholi family.

In total, more than 15 locations are being searched simultaneously. The exact addresses have not been disclosed by the agency. Sources indicated that the operation, which began in the morning, is still underway.

At the time of writing, there is no official confirmation on whether Mr. Jarkiholi is present at any of the premises. The ED has not yet issued a statement explaining the specific reason for the searches or the allegations involved.

These searches follow an earlier investigation in June this year, when the ED had raided Y. Manjunath, a senior Excise official and Mr. Jarkiholi's brother-in-law, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. That action was based on an FIR filed by the Lokayukta Police against Excise officials over corruption allegations, particularly the granting of liquor licences in violation of rules. Mr. Manjunath is accused of amassing illicit wealth through such grants.

Following the June raids, the ED had described the matter as involving an “organised syndicate involving public officials, intermediaries and private individuals engaged in systematic collection and distribution of bribes.” The agency also said that several officials allegedly obtained liquor licences in the names of their family members or entities controlled by them, and operated businesses indirectly while holding office.

At the time, Mr. Jarkiholi had said he was yet to understand why his brother-in-law had been targeted, observing that the Lokayukta could have investigated the corruption charges. However, he declined to characterise the raids as politically motivated.

Mr. Jarkiholi served as Karnataka's Excise Minister from 2013 to 2016 and currently holds the Public Works portfolio. His past association with the Excise department has drawn attention to the current operation. The ED has not yet clarified whether Wednesday's search is directly linked to the earlier excise case or pertains to a separate matter.

Under the PMLA, the ED has the authority to conduct searches and seizures when there are reasonable grounds to believe that money laundering has occurred. These searches are an investigative step aimed at collecting evidence. They do not amount to a determination of guilt, and no charges have been filed against Mr. Jarkiholi or others as of now.

The agency's next course of action will depend on the findings from the searches. Officials familiar with the development indicated that the operation is still in progress, and further details are expected to emerge after its conclusion. This report will be updated as more information becomes available.