The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a case against 29 celebrities in connection with an alleged betting application scam, based on a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Cyberabad police in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Among those named in the case are prominent actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi, Prakash Raj, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagalla, and television anchor Srimukhi.
The ED is currently examining the financial transactions and digital trail associated with the named individuals. Further investigation is underway.
Earlier, on March 19, the Miyapur Police in Cyberabad registered a case against 25 individuals, including Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, and Nidhi Agarwal, for allegedly promoting betting applications.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) accessed by India Today, the actors and media influencers were charged under Sections 318(4) and 112, read with Section 49 of the Bharat Nyay Sanhita, Section 4 of the Telangana State Gaming Act (TSGA), and Section 66-D of the Information Technology Act. These provisions deal with fraudulent activity, illegal promotion of gaming, and online deception.
The FIR stated that Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj were associated with the promotion of Junglee Rummy, Vijay Deverakonda with A23, Manchu Lakshmi with Yolo 247, Praneetha with Fairplay, and Nidhi Agarwal with Jeet Win.
The allegations claimed that the actors and influencers promoted these betting platforms through online pop-up advertisements, potentially encouraging users to engage in illegal gambling.
Clarifying his position, Prakash Raj, in a post on X, said he had promoted a gaming app in 2016 but withdrew in 2017 after realising it was inappropriate. “Since then, I have not promoted any gaming applications,” he said, adding that he would respond if approached by the police.
Meanwhile, Rana Daggubati said his endorsement for a skill-based gaming platform ended in 2017 and was restricted to legally permitted regions. His legal team ensured compliance, citing the Supreme Court’s position distinguishing skill-based games from gambling.
Source: India Today