Belgaum, June 24: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations linked to Excise Department Additional Commissioner Y. Manjunath, who is also the brother-in-law of Karnataka Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi.
A joint team of ED officials from Goa and Bengaluru launched the operation early in the morning, carrying out searches at six locations across Belgaum, Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hassan district, and Athani taluk. Officials are scrutinizing documents related to properties, financial transactions, bank accounts, and other assets.
The searches began at Manjunath’s residence near the Doordarshan Kendra in Belgaum. Security arrangements were tightened, with more than ten paramilitary personnel deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the operation and maintain law and order.
Y. Manjunath has served in the Excise Department for several years and is considered one of the department’s senior officers in the Belgaum region. According to sources, the ED is investigating allegations that he amassed assets worth several crores of rupees through benami transactions, including land holdings, bars, restaurants, and other investments.
Locations Searched
- Belgaum: Residence of Y. Manjunath near Doordarshan Kendra.
- Bengaluru: Apartment owned by Manjunath, where he is reportedly staying.
- Mysuru: Residence of a close female associate.
- Arsikere (Hassan district): House of a close associate.
- Ainapur (Athani taluk, Belgaum district): Residence of another associate.
- Additional related premises were also searched as part of the operation.
Lead Emerged From Earlier Searches
Sources said the ED had recently conducted searches at the premises of some of Manjunath’s business associates and friends. During those raids, investigators reportedly came across documents containing references to Manjunath. Based on those findings, the agency expanded its probe and initiated Wednesday’s coordinated operation.
Officials stated that Manjunath was not present at his Belgaum residence when the searches began. The examination of documents and collection of evidence are currently underway.
