ED summons actor Mahesh Babu in Hyderabad real estate scam
Hyderabad: Actor Mahesh Babu has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning on April 28 in connection with a money laundering case linked to two Hyderabad-based real estate companies.
The actor is under scrutiny for endorsing projects by Sai Surya Developers and the Surana Group, firms accused of duping property buyers. According to ED officials, Mahesh Babu was paid Rs 5.9 crore for promoting Sai Surya Developers’ ventures. Of this, Rs 3.4 crore was transferred through cheque, while Rs 2.5 crore was allegedly paid in cash. Investigators suspect the cash payment could be part of laundered funds collected through fraudulent means.
The ED’s investigation is based on police complaints filed in Telangana against Narendra Surana, director of Bhagyanagar Properties Ltd., and K Sathish Chandra Gupta, owner of Sai Surya Developers. The two are accused of illegally collecting large sums from buyers by promising plots in unauthorized layouts, selling the same plots to multiple people, and giving fake registration assurances.
Officials say Mahesh Babu’s endorsement influenced many to invest in these projects, unaware of the alleged fraud. Although he is not believed to be directly involved in the scam, the ED is examining the financial transactions related to his promotional activities.
During searches on April 16, the ED reportedly recovered documents and evidence pointing to serious financial misconduct from premises linked to Narendra Surana and Sai Surya Developers. These documents reveal suspicious transactions amounting to over Rs 100 crore.
The agency is also preparing to seize properties bought with money earned through these illegal activities. Officials say funds from the scam were redirected to various associates, including public figures who were part of the firms’ promotional campaigns.
Actor Mahesh Babu has been summoned by the ED on April 27 in a money laundering probe linked to Hyderabad real estate firms. He allegedly received ₹5.9 cr for endorsing Sai Surya Developers, under investigation for defrauding buyers.#MaheshBabu #ED #RealEstateScam #Hyderabad… pic.twitter.com/v4dTakeRCc
— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) April 22, 2025
