ED summons actor Mahesh Babu in money laundering case

Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning a money laundering case. According to reports, the actor has been asked to appear before the agency for questioning on April 28.

The case was lodged against two Hyderabad-based real estate firms, Sai Surya Developers and Surana Group. Babu played the role of brand ambassador for a project called ‘Green Meadows’ under Sai Surya Developers and is being questioned over his alleged endorsement. He reportedly received Rs 5.9 crore as payment – Rs 3.4 crore via cheque and Rs 2.5 in cash.

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The investigation is currently carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, pertaining to the alleged non-delivery of real estate projects. Both firms are accused of repeatedly selling the same plot of land to unsuspecting buyers after receiving advanced payments.

According to PTI, the owner of Sai Surya Developers, Kancharla Satish Chandra Gupta, is facing a probe after a case was filed by a 32-year-old software engineer. He and several others had invested Rs 3 crore in ‘Green Meadows’, a 14-acres land in Shadnagar, Ranga Reddy in April 2021.

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On April 16, the ED carried out a probe at several locations linked with the case, including premises in Secunderabad, Jubilee Hills, and Bowenpally.

While at the time no accusations were made against Babu, his public image in gaining the general public’s trust to fall for the fraudulent investment is being scrutinised, as well as the remuneration he received for the same. As of now, the actor is not suspected to have taken part in the scheming behind the money laundering.

According to the Times of India, financial transactions amounting to Rs 100 crore by the firms have raised suspicions of illegal activity.

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