The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday raided multiple locations linked to Congress MP E Tukaram of Bellary and three Karnataka MLAs. The action is part of a money laundering investigation connected to the alleged misuse of funds from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation (KMVSTDC).

Sources said the searches are being carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED probe follows FIRs filed by the Karnataka Police and CBI, which claim that crores of rupees meant for Scheduled Tribe welfare were fraudulently diverted into fake bank accounts and routed through shell companies.

KMVSTDC, created in 2006, was intended to run welfare schemes for the socio-economic upliftment of ST communities. Investigators allege that a portion of the laundered funds was used during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in the Bellary constituency.