Bengaluru, Sept. 12 -- The Enforcement Directorate's searches linked to Karnataka Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi have triggered a fresh political controversy after the agency claimed that documents and digital evidence relating to alleged PWD irregularities and contractor bribe collection were recovered.

The ED said searches were conducted at 21 locations linked to Jarkiholi, his family members and associates in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Gokak and Kolkata as part of an investigation into suspected financial transactions, foreign investments and cross-border dealings. Some searches reportedly continued for more than 36 hours.

According to the agency, documents and digital devices seized during the operation contained inform...