ED Conducts Raids at Multiple Karnataka Locations Linked to Excise Official Dr. Y. Manjunath

The Enforcement Directorate carried out coordinated searches at six locations across Karnataka on Wednesday morning in connection with an investigation involving Dr. Y. Manjunath, Additional Commissioner of the State Excise Department.

The action is part of an inquiry under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, with investigators examining allegations related to suspected illegal financial transactions and assets believed to be beyond known sources of income.

Dr. Manjunath is the son of former Ballari Member of Parliament Y. Devendrappa and is related to Karnataka Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi through family ties. Authorities are investigating claims that large investments were made in real estate ventures, bars, and restaurants through individuals allegedly acting on behalf of others.

Teams from Bengaluru and Goa participated in the operation, conducting searches at several properties. The locations included Dr. Manjunath’s residence in Hanumanth Nagar, Belagavi, an apartment in Bengaluru, a property linked to an associate in Mysuru, a relative’s residence in Arsikere, and another premises in Ainapur village of Athani taluk.

According to reports, central agencies handled security arrangements for the searches and carried out detailed examinations of financial records, property documents, electronic devices, and other materials that could assist the investigation.

Sources familiar with the operation said investigators recovered documents, cash, and gold ornaments during the searches. Officials are now reviewing the seized material as part of the ongoing probe.

The raids have sparked political discussion in Karnataka, with some leaders questioning the timing and intent of the action, while investigators maintain that the operation is based on evidence gathered during the course of the inquiry.