The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is focusing on the money trail of Hindi-Telugu film ‘Liger’ in the wake of suspected violation of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). ED officials questioned film director Puri Jagannadh and actress-turned-producer Charmy Kaur throughout the day. He was questioned about the source of investment in the Vijay Deverakonda-starrer ‘Liger’, which released in August.
Produced with a budget of around Rs 125 crore, the film also featured American boxer Mike Tyson in an extended cameo. Film starring Vijaya Deverakonda and Ananya Pandey The major one was the mega shoot in Las Vegas. However, it bombed at the box office.
The ED started the probe after Congress leader Becca Judson lodged a complaint about dubious investments in the film. Puri Jagannath and Charmy Kaur stayed at the ED office for over 12 hours on Thursday. He was issued a notice 15 days ago.
Becca Judson complained that even politicians had invested money in the film. He claimed that investors found this the easiest way to convert their black money into white.
The director and producer were reportedly questioned by ED officials about the allegation that crores of rupees were allegedly invested in making the film from foreign countries in violation of FEMA.
The investigating agency suspects that several companies had transferred money to the filmmakers’ accounts. He was asked to give details of those who sent the money and how foreign actors including Mike Tyson and the technical crew were paid.
This is the second time that Puri Jagannath and Charmy Kaur have appeared before the ED. Last year, the agency had questioned him along with other film personalities in connection with allegations of money allegedly involving celebrities in a drug case.
Earlier, the Special Investigation Team of the State Prohibition and Excise Department had also registered a case in 2017 and interrogated him.
don’t miss
Read also: Sunil Shetty broke silence on Karthik Aryan’s inclusion in Hera Pheri 3, said- ‘To Akshay Kumar…’
Read also: Nayanthara Birthday: Vignesh Shivan’s secret wedding with actress and on-set romance with twins