ED, DRI conduct raids on Congress leaders

In a major crackdown, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted raids at multiple locations linked to Congress leaders on Thursday. The ED carried out searches on five properties associated with Congress MLA S.N. Subba Reddy in Bengaluru under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

Subba Reddy, who reportedly has business interests in Malaysia, owns several high-value properties and luxury vehicles registered under his relatives’ names. A 13-member ED team arrived at his residence in Marathahalli at 7 a.m. and continued searches throughout the day. Raids were also conducted at Bhagini Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., a business entity run by the MLA, and a hospital managed by him. However, no searches were carried out at his home office in Bagepalli’s Gulur Road in Chikkaballapur district.

Simultaneously, DRI officials launched a raid on the residence of Congress leader Krishnappa, popularly known as Jolada Kittappa, a close aide of MLA Pradeep Eshwar. Over 20 officers searched Krishnappa’s residence and inspected key documents. Additional searches were conducted at the homes of his relatives. Krishnappa is reportedly involved in the export and import of popcorn-grade maize.

These coordinated raids in Bengaluru and beyond are part of a broader nationwide operation covering 37 locations, including Delhi and Mumbai. The searches have intensified scrutiny on political leaders with offshore business dealings and raised questions around the misuse of foreign exchange channels. Authorities have yet to release official statements on any seizures or arrests. Investigations are ongoing.