Bengaluru, Sept. 9 -- The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday, September 9, carried out a search at the Bengaluru residence of Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, escalating its investigation into suspected financial irregularities linked to the state excise department.

The ED team reached Jarkiholi's house in Dollars Colony early in the morning on September 9 and entered the premises to conduct a detailed search. Two vehicles were used by the officials who arrived at the residence. Security arrangements were also strengthened in the area during the operation.

The development assumes significance as the agency had in June searched multiple premises linked to Y. Manjunath, an excise official who is also related to Jarkiholi. Those ...