Telugu actor Mahesh Babu has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with a money laundering investigation involving Hyderabad-based real estate firms Sai Surya Developers and the Surana Group. The ED has asked him to appear at its Hyderabad office on April 27, 2025 .
The investigation pertains to allegations that these real estate firms defrauded homebuyers by selling unauthorized land layouts, accepting payments without proper agreements, and failing to deliver promised projects. Mahesh Babu, who served as a brand ambassador for some of these projects, reportedly received ₹5.9 crore for his endorsements—₹3.4 crore through official banking channels and ₹2.5 crore in cash. The cash component is under scrutiny, as investigators suspect it may be linked to proceeds from the alleged fraudulent activities .
While Mahesh Babu is not currently listed as an accused in the case, the ED aims to ascertain the extent of his knowledge regarding the firms’ activities and the nature of the payments he received. The agency’s broader probe has uncovered unaccounted transactions worth approximately ₹100 crore and seized ₹74.5 lakh in cash during recent raids on the premises of the involved companies .
Sources