In a significant development related to financial misconduct, Hyderabad's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has called upon renowned actor Mahesh Babu for questioning regarding allegations of money laundering involving two prominent real estate firms. The investigation stems from accusations that these companies defrauded property buyers through unauthorized schemes, with the actor reportedly endorsing their projects and receiving substantial payments.
On a crisp Monday morning, authorities announced the summons directed at Mahesh Babu, set for April 28th. This move is linked to probes into alleged fraudulent activities conducted by Sai Surya Developers and Surana Group. According to investigative sources, Mahesh Babu received nearly Rs 5.9 crore for promoting questionable real estate ventures. Of this amount, a significant portion—Rs 2.5 crore—was paid in cash, raising suspicions about its origin.
The ED initiated its inquiry following police complaints against key figures like Narendra Surana and K Sathish Chandra Gupta. These individuals are accused of collecting vast sums from unsuspecting investors by selling unauthorized plots multiple times and offering false assurances of registration. Documents uncovered during searches on April 16th reveal transactions exceeding Rs 100 crore, indicating extensive financial irregularities. Authorities suspect proceeds from these scams were funneled to various parties, including celebrities who promoted such ventures.
From a journalist's perspective, this case highlights the importance of due diligence in business endorsements. It underscores how influential personalities can inadvertently contribute to deceptive practices if not thoroughly vetting the organizations they associate with. For readers, it serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in both corporate dealings and public relations campaigns. Such investigations reinforce the necessity of stringent regulatory measures to protect consumers and maintain integrity in commercial activities.