India: Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati among 29 stars under betting endorsement probe
Telugu celebrities investigated over suspected betting app endorsements.
Key points:
– The Enforcement Directorate is investigating 29 Telugu celebrities for allegedly promoting unauthorised betting apps
– Allegations involve potential breaches of gambling and money laundering laws
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched an investigation into 29 public figures from the Telugu entertainment industry over suspected involvement in the promotion of illegal online betting platforms.
The probe follows several First Information Reports (FIRs) filed at police stations across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, including Panjagutta, Miyapur, Cyberabad, Suryapet and Visakhapatnam. The ED has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Notable film actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj have been named, alongside others including Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, Manchu Lakshmi and Ananya Nagalla. Television presenters and social media influencers such as Sreemukhi, Shyamala and Harsha Sai are also under scrutiny.
The celebrities are alleged to have promoted platforms including Junglee Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Parimatch and Lotus365, which are suspected of being involved in laundering significant sums of money through celebrity endorsements. Authorities believe these promotions may contravene the Public Gambling Act, 1867, as well as sections of the Telangana Gaming Act and Information Technology Act.
Good to know: This investigation reflects growing regulatory focus on digital gaming endorsements and could lead to tighter advertising controls for influencers and public figures across India
Earlier this year, Cyberabad Police booked several of the same individuals under similar accusations. Some of those named, including Deverakonda and Daggubati, have denied endorsing illegal platforms, stating they only promoted government-approved gaming apps. Raj claimed he ended his association with such apps in 2017 after raising legal concerns.
The latest action stems from a complaint by Miyapur resident Phanidra Sharma, who alleged that these promotions were encouraging gambling addiction and financial harm among the public.
Just this week, SCCG Management announced a partnership with BeatFantasy in India, while last month saw an illegal online betting ring dismantled in the nation, leading to the arrest of six suspects.
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