ED Targets Prominent Star in Connection to Land Scam: Big Questions Loom

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation involving Hyderabad-based real estate companies, Sai Surya Developers and the Surana Group. The actor is scheduled to appear before the ED on April 27, 2025.

The probe centers around allegations that the real estate firms defrauded investors by selling plots in unauthorized layouts, reselling the same plots to multiple buyers, and issuing fake registration guarantees. These fraudulent activities are said to have caused significant financial losses to unsuspecting homebuyers.

Mahesh Babu's involvement in the case arises from his role as a brand ambassador for projects promoted by Sai Surya Developers. He reportedly received a total of ₹5.9 crore for his endorsement, with ₹3.4 crore paid via cheque and ₹2.5 crore allegedly given in cash. The ED has raised questions about the cash component, suspecting that it may be tied to laundered funds from the fraudulent real estate deals.

While there is currently no direct evidence implicating Mahesh Babu in the fraudulent operations, the ED is investigating the legitimacy of the payments he received, particularly the unaccounted cash transactions. 

On April 16, 2025, the ED conducted raids at various locations connected to Sai Surya Developers and the Surana Group in Hyderabad and Secunderabad. These raids led to the seizure of ₹74.5 lakh in cash and documents related to the alleged money laundering activities.

The investigation is still ongoing, with Mahesh Babu set to appear before the ED for questioning in the coming days. Further details on the case are awaited.