The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Bengali actor Ankush Hazra in connection with its ongoing investigation into the promotion of illegal betting applications. The agency is investigating the financial transactions and promotional activities related to these apps, focusing on how celebrities may have been paid to endorse them on social media platforms.
The ED suspects that several film and sports personalities were involved in promoting these banned betting apps, which allegedly helped them amass crores of rupees through illicit channels like hawala. The investigation aims to uncover the extent of these endorsements and the financial gains derived from them. As of now, Ankush Hazra has not publicly commented on the summons.
This action by the ED is part of a broader investigation into the operation and promotion of illegal betting apps in India. The agency is scrutinizing the financial trails and marketing strategies employed by these apps, with a particular focus on the involvement of celebrities in attracting users. By summoning Ankush Hazra, the ED is seeking to understand the actor's role, if any, in promoting these apps and the financial transactions associated with such endorsements.
The Bengali film industry, also known as Tollywood, has been experiencing a resurgence in 2025, with support from the West Bengal government. However, this investigation into illegal betting app promotions could cast a shadow over the industry, especially if more actors and personalities are found to be involved. The ED's investigation is centered on the promotion and financial aspects of these endorsements, aiming to determine if there were any violations of financial regulations or laws.
The summoning of Ankush Hazra highlights the growing concern over the influence of celebrities in promoting potentially harmful or illegal activities. It also underscores the ED's commitment to cracking down on financial crimes and illegal betting operations in the country. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the celebrities involved and the broader digital entertainment and marketing landscape.
