Telugu Actor Mahesh Babu Summoned by ED in Money Laundering Probe Linked to ₹100 Crore Real Estate Scam

Hyderabad | April 22, 2025 — In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Telugu cinema icon Mahesh Babu in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation involving real estate firm Sai Surya Developers, the Surana Group, and other entities.

The case, which revolves around allegations of large-scale real estate fraud and financial irregularities, has already witnessed raids and seizures worth crores. The federal agency is probing how proceeds of crime were allegedly diverted through fraudulent land deals and laundered via various channels.

Why Was Mahesh Babu Summoned?

Sources close to the ED have confirmed that Mahesh Babu, 49, is not an accused in the case. However, he has been asked to appear before the agency on April 28 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to record his statement.

Investigators are scrutinizing financial transactions involving ₹5.9 crore, which the actor reportedly received from the companies as an endorsement fee, partly through cheques and partly in cash.

“It is suspected that Mahesh Babu may have promoted realty projects without knowing about the alleged scam,” said a senior ED official.

Background of the Case

The ED’s investigation is based on a Telangana Police FIR against:

• Sathish Chandra Gupta, Proprietor of Sai Surya Developers
• Narendra Surana, Director of Bhagyanagar Properties Ltd
• And several other individuals.

They have been accused of defrauding innocent investors by luring them into illegal land schemes across Hyderabad, particularly in Vengal Rao Nagar, Secunderabad, Bowenpally, and Jubilee Hills.

According to the ED:

• The companies sold the same plots to multiple buyers.
• Collected large sums as advance payments without valid agreements.
• Made false promises of land registration.
• Created unauthorised layouts in prime locations.

Raids and Seizures

During search operations on April 16, the ED uncovered:

• Unaccounted cash worth ₹74.5 lakh from Surana Group premises.
• Documents indicating ₹100 crore in unaccounted cash transactions.
• Investor deposit records pointing to large-scale fraud.

“By cheating the general public with dishonest intentions, the accused generated proceeds of crime and laundered the money through shell entities,” the ED stated.

What’s Next?

While Mahesh Babu’s role appears limited to endorsements, the ED aims to verify:

• His knowledge (if any) of the alleged scam.
• The mode of payment and documentation related to his endorsement deals.
• Any potential involvement in laundering funds unknowingly.

His statement on April 28 could be crucial in tracing money trails and understanding the financial architecture of the scam.

Actor Yet to Respond

As of now, Mahesh Babu has not issued any official statement regarding the summons or his association with the developers. Fans and industry insiders await his clarification as the investigation continues to gain momentum.