Mahesh Babu Linked to Real Estate Scam Probe by Enforcement Directorate

In a twist straight out of a thriller, the spotlight has turned from cinema screens to courtrooms for Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, who has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a massive real estate fraud case.

The Real Estate Empire Under Fire

The focus of the ED’s investigation is Sai Surya Developers and the Surana Group, two Hyderabad-based real estate firms now accused of orchestrating a high-profile scam. These firms, allegedly involved in duping numerous land buyers, have come under scrutiny following multiple FIRs filed by Telangana Police.

The directors—Narendra Surana of Bhagyanagar Properties Ltd. and K. Sathish Chandra Gupta of Sai Surya Developers—are being investigated for fraud, forgery, and money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

Celebrity Endorsements in the Crossfire

Mahesh Babu’s name surfaced due to his high-profile endorsements for Sai Surya Developers. The actor reportedly received ₹5.9 crore for promoting the firm’s projects—₹3.4 crore via cheque and ₹2.5 crore in alleged cash transactions.

This cash component, lacking clear documentation, has raised suspicions of being part of a wider money laundering operation, prompting further investigation into the legitimacy of payments received.

The Modus Operandi

The scam, as uncovered, involves selling unauthorized plots, issuing fake promises of registration, and even selling the same land multiple times. Victims, misled by the false prestige of celebrity endorsements, invested crores into what was essentially a real estate mirage.

Raids, Seizures, and Startling Revelations

On April 16, 2025, ED officials conducted simultaneous search operations across four Hyderabad and Secunderabad locations. The raids resulted in the seizure of key incriminating documents and unaccounted cash—including ₹74.5 lakh in cash and evidence pointing to ₹100 crore in illicit dealings.

These discoveries not only expose the scale of financial misconduct but also solidify suspicions around money trails leading to influential individuals and businesses.

⚖️ The Actor’s Upcoming Interrogation

Though Mahesh Babu is not directly accused of involvement in the fraud, his endorsement has undeniably influenced public trust. The ED is keen to determine whether the actor was aware of the financial irregularities when associating with the firms.

His scheduled appearance on April 28, 2025, is expected to be a pivotal moment in establishing the intent and awareness behind the celebrity collaborations.

Final Thoughts

This case paints a cautionary tale of how celebrity influence, real estate greed, and unregulated promises can form a dangerous trifecta. As the investigation deepens, it serves as a critical reminder for both investors and endorsers about the weight of credibility and the price of misplaced trust.