Prakash Raj to attend the ED investigation

Prakash Raj to attend the ED investigation. The Enforcement Directorate has summoned acclaimed actor Prakash Raj for questioning in connection to a money laundering case linked to an alleged ₹100 crore ponzi and fraud case against a Tiruchirapalli-based jewellery group, according to official sources on Thursday.

The ongoing investigation is centered around Pranav Jewellers, a partnership firm based in Tiruchirapalli. The Enforcement Directorate had conducted a raid on November 20, revealing an "unexplained" cash amounting to ₹23.70 lakh and some gold jewellery.

Prakash Raj, aged 58, has been associated with Pranav Jewellers as a brand ambassador. The actor, known for his versatile roles in both Hindi and South Indian films, has been requested to appear before the federal agency in Chennai next week. Prakash Raj, who has been an outspoken critic of the BJP, has found himself entangled in this financial probe.

The origins of the Enforcement Directorate case trace back to an FIR filed by the Tamil Nadu Police Economic Offences Wing. The police complaint alleges that Pranav Jewellers, along with others, amassed ₹100 crore from the public under the guise of a gold investment scheme, promising lucrative returns. The federal agency, in a statement released on Wednesday, highlighted the details of the case and the allegations against the jewellery group.