Hyderabad court convicts L Srinivas Goud in PMLA case, awards 5 year rigorous imprisonment
HYDERABAD: A special court for trial of offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Nampally has convicted L Srinivas Goud in a bank fraud–linked laundering case and sentenced him to five years’ rigorous imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of ₹25,000 each on Goud and his firm, Mallika Inn Bar and Restaurant, through an order passed on November 24, 2025.
The court held Goud guilty of money laundering under Section 3 read with Section 4 of PMLA.
Loan obtained by impersonating mother, says ED
According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Hyderabad Zonal Office, the prosecution complaint was filed after investigation into a cheating case in which Goud, proprietor of Mallika Inn Bar and Restaurant, allegedly secured a housing loan from Federal Bank using forged documents.
The agency said an impostor was made to pose as Goud’s mother before the bank, and fabricated title deed documents and forged signatures were used to obtain the loan. Though the loan was projected as meant for housing and for renovation of the restaurant and bar, ED said the funds were diverted and “misutilised”, generating proceeds of crime and causing a loss of ₹44.80 lakh to the bank.
Accused avoided court; NBWs issued multiple times
During trial, ED examined several witnesses and completed arguments. However, Goud repeatedly failed to appear before the court, prompting the issuance of non-bailable warrants on several occasions.
Despite attempts, he could not be traced at his known address. ED said electronic and human intelligence later helped identify his new residence, after which surveillance was maintained for a week. He was apprehended in the early hours of October 27, 2025, produced before the court and remanded to judicial custody.
Bail pleas rejected; conviction recorded on November 24
Successive bail applications filed by Goud were rejected as the court noted his antecedents and found no grounds to grant bail. On November 24, 2025, the court pronounced the conviction order. Goud continues to remain in judicial custody.
