Why Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu has been summoned by the ED in money laundering probe?

Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on April 28 in connection with a money laundering probe involving Hyderabad-based firms Sai Surya Developers and the Surana Group, according to a report on NDTV.

At the heart of the investigation is the Dh2.6 million the actor reportedly received for endorsing projects by Sai Surya Developers — around Dh1.5 million via cheque and Dh1.1 million. It’s the cash component that’s raised eyebrows, with officials suspecting it may be tied to funds collected through fraudulent means.

What’s the case about?

According to Economic Times, the ED’s investigation stems from multiple FIRs filed by Telangana Police against Narendra Surana, MD of Bhagyanagar Properties Ltd and K. Sathish Chandra Gupta, owner of Sai Surya Developers. They are accused of cheating land buyers by collecting hefty advances for plots in unauthorised layouts — some of which were sold multiple times. False promises of legal registration and no formal agreements sealed the scam.

Recent raids uncovered millions in unaccounted cash and documents suggesting Rs 1 billion was funneled through illegal transactions. The money is believed to be proceeds of crime, redirected for personal use.

Why Mahesh Babu?

While the actor isn’t accused of direct involvement in the fraud, his endorsement is seen as having boosted public trust in the now-tainted projects. Investigators want to determine if he knew about the irregularities or the dubious source of the payments.

As the ED tracks the flow of laundered funds, Mahesh Babu’s deposition could be crucial in establishing how deep the celebrity ties go in the scam.