The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Mahesh Babu in connection with an ongoing investigation into a realty scam involving two Hyderabad-based real estate groups, Sai Surya Developers and Surana Group. The Telugu superstar has been asked to appear for questioning on April 28, as part of the probe into the alleged duping of buyers by the groups.
According to reports, Mahesh Babu is under investigation for allegedly endorsing fraudulent real estate projects developed by Sai Surya Developers. The actor reportedly received Rs5.9 crore for promoting these projects. Officials suspect that a significant portion of the money involved in this case was laundered, with cash playing a central role in the fraudulent transactions.
The ED’s money laundering investigation was triggered by FIRs filed by the Telangana police against individuals connected to the real estate firms, including Narendra Surana, the director of Bhagyanagar Properties Ltd., and K Sathish Chandra Gupta, the proprietor of Sai Surya Developers.
While Mahesh Babu’s involvement in the scam remains unconfirmed, ED officials believe that his endorsement may have influenced many investors to participate in the fraudulent real estate ventures.
Mahesh Babu, meanwhile, is currently focused on his upcoming film, SSMB29, directed by S. S. Rajamouli. The movie will feature Priyanka Chopra making her return to Indian cinema, following her role in The Sky Is Pink (2019). The film will include a grand boat action sequence that is expected to be shot over the coming months with a significant amount of preparation, including 3000 people involved in training for the action block.
