Karnataka: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has seized ₹1.68 crore in cash and 6.75 kilograms of gold, among other items, during raids and search operations against Congress MLA Satish K. Sail from Karwar, the agency stated on Friday. The ED also froze bank account balances worth approximately ₹14.13 crore.
Raids Conducted Across Multiple Locations
According to the ED, search operations were conducted on August 13 and 14, 2025, at multiple locations in Karwar district, Goa, Mumbai, and New Delhi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The investigation involves Satish Krishna Sail, MLA, and other persons and entities convicted by the Special Court for MPs and MLAs in Bengaluru for the illegal export of iron ore fines.
Incriminating Evidence Recovered
“During the searches, various incriminating documents, e-mails, records, cash of ₹1.68 crore, and gold weighing 6.75 kilograms in the form of jewellery and bullion were seized,” the ED statement said. Sources revealed that about 24 ED officers arrived at Sail’s residence in six cars to carry out the operation.
Background: Belekeri Iron Ore Export Case
On October 26, 2024, the Karnataka Special Court for MLAs and MPs sentenced Congress MLA Satish K. Sail to seven years in prison in six cases linked to the Belekeri iron ore export scam, imposing a fine of ₹44 crore.
He later appealed to the High Court, which stayed the sentence in November 2024 on the condition that he deposit 25% of the fine amount.
Long-Standing Illegal Mining Investigation
The case, registered in 2010, stemmed from a Supreme Court directive on illegal mining and iron ore transportation in Karnataka.
CBI investigations found that Mallikarjuna Shipping Pvt. Ltd., owned by Sail, exported 7.23 lakh tonnes of iron ore through Belekeri Port between 2009 and 2010 without valid permits.
His residence was first raided in 2012, and he was arrested in 2013, spending over a year in jail before being released on bail.