In a significant development, South Superstar Mahesh Babu has been issued summons by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on April 27 regarding a current money laundering probe. The case concerns two real estate firms alleged to have deceived purchasers, with sources indicating that Mahesh Babu received ₹5.9 crores from Sai Surya Ventures for a promotional agreement.
Sources from the ED have suggested that the funds given to the actor are believed to be derived from criminal activity, further intensifying the probe. The actor is anticipated to co-operate with the authorities as the investigation into the supposed money laundering goes on.
Mahesh Babu’s involvement in the case being investigated
The summons is part of a broader investigation into deceptive real estate transactions, and Mahesh Babu’s participation is currently being examined. The actor’s endorsement of Sai Surya projects supposedly caused numerous individuals to invest, unaware of the supposed scam. Though he might not have been directly engaged, the ED is examining the payments he received from the developers. The actor is set to appear before the ED on April 27.
Babu received Rs 5.9 crore for endorsements
According to a report in TOI, the probe concerns two real estate firms in Hyderabad, Sai Surya Developers and Surana Group, suspected of defrauding purchasers. The actor is reported to have received Rs 5.9 crore for promoting the ventures of Sai Surya Developers, with Rs 3.4 crore given via cheque and Rs 2.5 crore in cash.
The ED suspects that the cash payment could be associated with funds laundered from illegal activities. The inquiry commenced after Telangana police registered FIRs against important individuals, such as Narendra Surana, the director of Bhagyanagar Properties Ltd., and K Sathish Chandra Gupta, the proprietor of Sai Surya Developers.
Mahesh Babu is presently working on his upcoming movie SSMB29 alongside Priyanka Chopra. The movie signifies his initial partnership with renowned director SS Rajamouli and also features Prithviraj Sukumaran.
