The Ranga Reddy District Consumer Forum has issued notices to actor Mahesh Babu following a probe in April by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing money laundering case, according to Deccan Chronicle.
The complaint was filed by a Hyderabad-based doctor, who claimed that she and others were cheated by two Hyderabad-based real estate firms, Sai Surya Developers and Surana Group, for advertising unauthorized real estate projects. Babu played the role of brand ambassador for a project called ‘Green Meadows’ under Sai Surya Developers. He reportedly received Rs 5.9 crore as payment—Rs 3.4 crore via cheque and Rs 2.5 crore in cash. The actor has reportedly been named as the third respondent for misleading buyers.
According to reports, the complainants were misled by the advertisements and ended up purchasing plots worth Rs 34.80 lakh each in the Balapur village under the impression that a legitimate layout existed. However, it was later revealed that they had been cheated out of their money.
The investigation is carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, pertaining to the alleged non-delivery of real estate projects. Both firms are accused of repeatedly selling the same plot of land to unsuspecting buyers after receiving advanced payments.
On April 16, the ED carried out a probe at several locations linked with the case, including premises in Secunderabad, Jubilee Hills, and Bowenpally. According to the Times of India, financial transactions amounting to Rs 100 crore by the firms have been flagged as illegal activity.
