BELAGAVI: Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi on Thursday said that the Enforcement Directorate’s searches at his properties could be politically motivated or linked to allegations against him. He questioned the need for an extensive search when the documents sought could have been obtained through a notice.
Jarkiholi said the ED action had raised suspicion, particularly as he believed there were ‘bigger fish’ involved in the matter. “I have answered all questions asked by the ED officials. For questions to which I did not know the answers, I have sought time. If they issue a notice, I will respond to it,” he said.
The minister also rejected the ED’s reported contention that he had made investments abroad, particularly in African countries. “They are saying that I have invested abroad. I have not made any investment. I have only said that we intend to invest and have been making preparations for it,” he said.
Jarkiholi confirmed that the ED had found between Rs 1 crore and Rs 2 crore in cash at his residence during the searches, but maintained that the money belonged to his family and had been kept at his house. He said the officials had also taken away some documents.
The minister said the searches were conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Jarkiholi echoed Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s earlier assertion that Congress leaders were being targeted by central investigating agencies. “The Chief Minister had already said that our leaders are being targeted. I thought they would eventually come to us, but I did not expect the action to be taken against me so soon,” he said.
