ED Recovers ₹3.3 Crore Cash, Documents Linking PWD Bribes to African Mining in Jarkiholi Case
· India · The Hindu, Hindustan Times
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted raids across Bengaluru, Belagavi, Gokak, and Kolkata on Karnataka Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, recovering ₹3.3 crore in unaccounted cash and ₹15 lakh in foreign currency. Documents seized allegedly show bribes collected from PWD contractors were used to acquire foreign assets, including gold mining interests in Congo and Zambia for Jarkiholi and his family. The ED also linked private firm Bharat Vanijya Eastern Private Ltd. (BVEPL) to alleged bribery in securing PWD tenders, with funds allegedly routed abroad. These findings could lead to fresh cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The Opposition BJP has already gained momentum after forcing another minister, B. Nagendra, to resign amid similar allegations.
Why it matters
The ED’s findings threaten Jarkiholi’s political career and could escalate political tensions in Karnataka, with the Opposition BJP leveraging the case for further pressure. Karnataka’s PWD sector and contractors face heightened scrutiny over alleged corruption, while Jarkiholi’s foreign investments in Africa may face legal and reputational fallout.
Read the original report — The Hindu
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.