Hyderabad: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu in connection with financial dealings related to Surana Group and Sai Surya Developers. He has been asked to appear for questioning on April 27.
The investigation follows recent ED raids on these companies, uncovering significant financial irregularities. Authorities allege that Mahesh Babu received Rs 5.9 crore for promotional advertisements- Rs 3.4 crore in cash and Rs 2.5 crore via RTGS- from these firms.
On April 16, ED officials conducted searches at the homes and offices of top executives of Surana Industries and Sai Surya Developers. Large sums of cash, financial documents, and evidence of suspicious transactions were reportedly found.
Surana Group is also under investigation for allegedly defaulting on bank loans totaling Rs 3,986 crore. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed three cases against the company over these unpaid debts.
Further, authorities suspect Surana Group of operating shell companies and diverting funds to offshore firms in tax havens like the Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands. The ED previously seized assets worth Rs 113.32 crore linked to the company and continues its probe into possible financial fraud.
