ED Raids Bengaluru Flat of Excise Official Y Manjunath in Money Laundering Probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted search operations at multiple locations across Karnataka, including a flat in Bengaluru, in connection with an alleged money laundering and disproportionate assets case involving Belagavi Additional Excise Commissioner Y Manjunath. The searches, which began on Wednesday, targeted six locations linked to the senior official, who is closely related to prominent political figures in the state.

The federal agency carried out searches in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Mysuru, Tumakuru, Athani, and Arasikere. Among the premises searched were Manjunath’s flat in Bengaluru, his residential house in Belagavi, and properties belonging to an associate in Ainapur village within Athani taluk. Investigators also searched the residence of a Belagavi-based real estate developer who is reportedly an associate of the commissioner.

Manjunath is the son of former Ballari MP Y Devendrappa and the brother-in-law of Karnataka Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi. In addition to searching the properties, ED investigators have been questioning Manjunath’s family members and associates.

According to sources, the investigation focuses on allegations that Manjunath accumulated substantial assets through benami transactions. These investments allegedly include agricultural land, bars, and restaurants. ED teams are currently verifying financial documents, land purchase records, and business transaction histories.

Reacting to the search operations, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi stated on Wednesday that he could not comment on the matter until the raids were completed and the agency shared its findings.

Manjunath has held the position of Additional Excise Commissioner in Belagavi for the past 11 years. He was previously arrested in 2012 by the Lokayukta while serving as the deputy excise commissioner in Mysuru over allegations of demanding a bribe for a licence. That FIR was later quashed by the Karnataka High Court. The ED has not yet released an official statement regarding the ongoing searches.