Several top actors from the Telugu film industry, including Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, Pranitha, Nidhi Agarwal, and Ananya Nagella, have been named in an FIR for allegedly promoting illegal online betting apps. The case also includes several social media influencers who allegedly lured users into investing in these platforms.
Crackdown on Online Betting in Telangana
Online betting has been illegal in Telangana since 2017 under an amended law aimed at preventing financial exploitation linked to gambling. Cyberabad Police Commissioner Avinash Mohanty confirmed that authorities are investigating how these apps function and the level of celebrity involvement. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also expected to file an enforcement case information report (ECIR) and summon those implicated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The crackdown follows a complaint by activist PM Phanindra Sarma, who alleged that betting apps use aggressive advertising tactics, leveraging celebrity endorsements to attract users.
Actors Respond to Allegations
Rana Daggubati responded to the FIR, stating that his contract with a gaming company ended in 2017 and that his endorsements were restricted to regions where skill-based gaming was legally permitted. His legal team emphasized that all collaborations undergo strict legal scrutiny, adding, “It is essential to highlight that the Supreme Court has recognized skill-based online games as distinct from gambling.”
Similarly, Prakash Raj denied any wrongdoing, saying police had not contacted him but that he was “ready to cooperate.” He clarified that he partnered with a gaming company in 2016 but withdrew in 2017 upon realizing its operations. When a new company reused his commercial in 2021, he issued legal notices against them.
Vijay Deverakonda’s team also defended him, stating that he endorsed a skill-based gaming app only in regions where it was legally permitted.
Ongoing Investigation
With the police and ED set to deepen their probe, more celebrities and influencers could come under scrutiny. Authorities are expected to examine financial transactions and promotional deals linked to the betting apps, potentially widening the scope of the case.
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