Hubballi: Deputy leader of opposition in the assembly Arvind Bellad on Sunday demanded that public works minister Satish Jarkiholi step down until the Enforcement Directorate (ED) completes its investigation into alleged financial irregularities.Addressing mediapersons in Hubballi, Bellad said the ED had conducted searches at around 18 locations linked to Jarkiholi and his associates over the past two days. Referring to information shared by the agency, he claimed that more than Rs 3 crore in cash and foreign currency had been recovered during searches.Bellad also alleged that the investigation had revealed substantial investments by Jarkiholi and his family in foreign companies. He called for a thorough probe into the source and destination of the investments, possible kickbacks in tender allocations, and whether any undue benefits had been extended.Stating that it was inappropriate for a minister to head a department while under investigation, Bellad said Jarkiholi could return to office if found innocent but must face legal consequences if proven guilty.
