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Last Updated: April 22, 2025, 08:19 IST
Mahesh Babu Summoned by Enforcement Directorate in Money Laundering Probe
In a significant development, renowned South Indian actor Mahesh Babu has been called upon by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning on April 27, as part of an investigation into money laundering allegations.
The inquiry is centered around a real estate scam that implicates two companies accused of defrauding various buyers. Reports have surfaced claiming that Mahesh Babu received a total of Rs 5.9 crore from Sai Surya Ventures for endorsing their projects.
According to sources within the ED, the funds paid to Babu are suspected to be derived from illicit activities, raising the stakes of the ongoing investigation. The prominent actor is anticipated to fully cooperate with the authorities as they delve deeper into the allegations surrounding money laundering.
This summons is part of a broader investigation into dubious real estate transactions, and the scrutiny over Mahesh Babu’s involvement has escalated. It has been reported that his endorsement of Sai Surya’s projects may have encouraged many to invest, unaware of the alleged fraudulent backdrop. While there is no indication of Babu’s direct involvement in wrongdoing, the ED is examining the funds he received from the developers. He is expected to appear before the agency on April 27.
As cited in a report by TOI, the probe is linked to allegations against two Hyderabad-based real estate firms, Sai Surya Developers and Surana Group, which have been accused of deceiving prospective buyers. It is alleged that the endorsement fees paid to Mahesh Babu included Rs 3.4 crore via cheque and an additional Rs 2.5 crore in cash.
The ED is particularly interested in the cash transactions, which it believes may connect to money laundered through illegal activities. The investigation gained momentum following the filing of FIRs by Telangana police against central figures in the case, including Narendra Surana, director of Bhagyanagar Properties Ltd., and K. Sathish Chandra Gupta, the proprietor of Sai Surya Developers.
Currently, Mahesh Babu is occupied with the filming of his upcoming project SSMB29, which features Priyanka Chopra and marks his first venture with the celebrated filmmaker SS Rajamouli, alongside co-star Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Source
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