The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has booked 29 celebrities. This includes leading actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and Prakash Raj, for their alleged involvement in promoting illegal betting applications.
As reported by News 18, the ED’s Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) follows a complaint by businessman Phanindra Sarma, which claimed that endorsements from prominent public figures misled financially vulnerable users, resulting in heavy losses.
The ED action is based on an FIR filed earlier by the Cyberabad Police in Telangana, which also names actors Nidhhi Agerwal, Manchu Lakshmi, Pranitha Subhash, Srimukhi, and digital influencers, including Harsha Sai and creators of the YouTube channel Local Boi Nani.
This high-profile crackdown marks one of the most significant actions taken against celebrity and influencer-backed online betting platforms in India. Reportedly, the officials suspect that the endorsements may have been used to launder large sums of money. All of these are under the guise of promotions, which can impact thousands of unsuspecting users.
Allegations and reactions: Celebs clarify their stand - “It was legally sound but did not align with my ethical values”Vijay Deverakonda responded by defending his association with A23. According to the reports, he stated that it is a skill-based gaming platform and not illegal betting. Reportedly, his team emphasized that rummy has been legally recognized as a game of skill by the Supreme Court of India.
Actor Rana Daggubati also distanced himself from the allegations, clarifying through his legal team that his collaboration with a gaming app ended in 2017, and all promotions were confined to legally permitted regions after proper vetting.
Veteran actor Prakash Raj admitted endorsing Junglee Rummy in 2016, but added that the contract was terminated within a year. “It was legally sound but did not align with my ethical values,” he stated.
More details about the case are expected to be out soon.
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