Bengaluru, Sep 12 (IANS): Public Works Department (PWD) Minister, Satish Jarkiholi, on Saturday said he had informed the Karnataka Chief Minister about the person who allegedly lodged a complaint against him with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and said D.K. Shivakumar would look into the matter.
Speaking about the ED searches at premises linked to him, his family members and associates, state Minister and sugar baron Jarkiholi said he was aware of the person who had complained to the agency and had shared the information with CM Shivakumar.
“I have told Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar about those who complained against me to the ED. He knows about it,” Jarkiholi said.
When asked whether people from within the Congress party could have provided information to the ED, Jarkiholi said he was not claiming that party members were involved.
“I am not saying that our own party people have lodged the complaint. They might be outsiders or might be party insiders. No matter who is involved, Chief Minister Shivakumar will look into it,” he said.
Asked whether party insiders were providing information against him, Jarkiholi said, “It is not that our party people are involved. They can be outsiders as well.”
He said he had informed the Chief Minister about the allegations and the person behind the complaint.
Jarkiholi claimed that some people associated with the Congress could support the BJP electorally, making it difficult to determine their political affiliations.
“I have told the CM about the allegations. Their connection is with the Congress but they vote for BJP. It is difficult to determine,” he said.
When asked to identify the person specifically, Jarkiholi declined to elaborate. “Let it be. I have told the CM. They have the right to make allegations,” he said.
Jarkiholi also questioned the allegations concerning alleged foreign investments and said the ED would have to substantiate its claims through its investigation and final report.
“Public court is primary for us, then comes the ED. The ED will have to give the final report and file a chargesheet. They will have to remark and substantiate their charges,” he said.
Referring to the allegations of foreign investments, Jarkiholi said such investments would have to be officially made through the concerned persons and questioned how he could be accused of making such investments when he maintained that he had not made any.
“If they talk about foreign investment, it has to go officially from us. When we have not made any investment, how can it be?” he questioned.
Jarkiholi said he did not want to discuss the details of the ED investigation with the media and maintained that the agency’s enquiry should not be conducted in the public domain.
“All these matters can’t be discussed with the media. The ED inquiry should not be done in front of the media. I will stop here. I will inform about my statements to the ED,” he said.
When questioned again about whether he knew the person who had filed the complaint against him, Jarkiholi said he knew the person and had obtained information about the complaint.
“I know about the person and got all the information. I knew it earlier. They have the right to file a complaint. I have informed the Chief Minister about the person,” he said.
Jarkiholi reiterated that he had placed the matter before Shivakumar and expressed confidence that the Chief Minister would handle it.
“The CM will take care of the matter,” he said.
The ED had conducted searches at 21 premises linked to Jarkiholi and his close associates in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Gokak and Kolkata on September 9 and 10 under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The agency has alleged suspected financial irregularities, undisclosed overseas investments and irregularities linked to PWD contracts.
Jarkiholi has rejected the allegations and said he would respond to the ED if he is issued a notice.
