Hyderabad, India – Renowned South Indian actor Ghattamaneni Mahesh Babu has been summoned by India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a high-profile money laundering investigation linked to Hyderabad-based real estate firms, Surana Group and Sai Surya Developers.

According to sources within the ED, the actor allegedly received ₹5.5 crore (OR245K) from Surana Group for promotional appearances. In a separate deal, Sai Surya Developers reportedly paid Mahesh Babu a total of ₹5.9 crore (OR262K) — comprising ₹2.5 crore (OR111k) in cash and ₹3.4 crore (OR151k) via cheque — for similar promotional activities.

The investigative agency is now scrutinising the legitimacy of these payments and whether they form part of a wider network of illicit financial transactions. The summons is part of the ED’s broader inquiry into alleged financial misconduct amounting to over ₹100 crore (RO4.4mn).

Searches conducted at the residences of Surana Group’s chairman, Narendra Surana, and managing director, Devendar Surana — located in the upscale localities of Jubilee Hills and Bowenpally — led to the seizure of ₹74.5 lakh(RO33K) in cash, along with incriminating documents.

The ED also raided the offices of Sai Surya Developers and its affiliate, Bhagyanagar Properties, uncovering what it described as evidence of a ‘massive fraud under the guise of real estate ventures’.

As of now, Mahesh Babu’s legal team has not released an official statement regarding the matter. The actor has been requested to appear for questioning as the investigation continues.