In a major and unexpected development, The Times of India has reported that Mahesh Babu has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on April 27, in connection with an ongoing probe into alleged money laundering by two Hyderabad-based real estate firms — Sai Surya Developers and the Surana Group.
This comes as a shock to fans and the film industry alike, especially considering Mahesh Babu is currently busy shooting for SS Rajamouli’s pan-India action epic, touted to be India’s biggest action film to date.
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According to ED sources quoted by Times of India, Mahesh Babu had allegedly endorsed real estate projects linked to Sai Surya Developers and Surana Group, which are now under investigation for defrauding buyers and laundering money. The report claims Mahesh received Rs 5.9 crore for these endorsements — Rs 3.4 crore by cheque and Rs 2.5 crore in cash. The cash payment is now under suspicion of being part of a laundering network.
The ED’s investigation stems from FIRs filed by Telangana police against several individuals, including Narendra Surana (Bhagyanagar Properties Ltd.) and K Sathish Chandra Gupta (Sai Surya Developers). The accused allegedly cheated buyers by selling plots in unauthorised layouts, reselling the same plots multiple times, and making false promises regarding registrations.
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While no legal judgment has been passed yet, the news has already triggered massive online buzz and speculation, leading to widespread negative optics for the actor, even before any official proceedings or clarification.
