The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple properties linked to Y Manjunath, the brother-in-law of Karnataka public works minister Satish Jarkiholi, in connection with an investigation into alleged suspicious foreign transactions and suspected benami assets.
The searches, which began early Wednesday, took place at Manjunath's residence in Hanumanth Nagar in Belagavi, an apartment linked to him in Bengaluru, a friend's house in Ainapur village in Athani taluk, and properties belonging to his relatives and close associates in Mysuru, Arsikere and Tumakuru.
Officials examined documents and other records during the operation, which was carried out under tight security.
People familiar with the investigation said the inquiry relates to allegations involving suspicious overseas financial transactions, illegal transfers of money to foreign countries and the alleged acquisition of benami assets.
Karnataka minister Satish Jarkiholi said it was premature to draw conclusions about the ED's action, adding that it could be a departmental level matter or a routine inspection.
