Hyderabad, November 12, 2025 – Veteran actor Prakash Raj appeared before the Telangana Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Wednesday in connection with a case involving the alleged promotion of an online betting application. The actor's appearance follows summons issued by the Telangana Crime Investigation Department (CID).

The investigation revolves around the alleged involvement of several individuals, including actors, in promoting online betting platforms. The SIT is scrutinizing the financial transactions and promotional activities associated with these apps.

Prakash Raj stated that he had withdrawn from an advertisement in 2016 when the promotion of betting began. He asserted that he discontinued his involvement due to the illegality of betting apps. He also urged the youth to avoid such platforms, emphasizing the potentially devastating consequences on young lives.

Earlier, both Prakash Raj and Vijay Deverakonda were questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding potential money laundering links to these apps. Vijay Deverakonda maintains that he only promoted a legal, skill-based gaming application and not betting. To date, no charges have been filed against either actor.

The Telangana SIT, in coordination with the CID, has been actively conducting raids across multiple locations, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab. These operations have led to the arrest of eight organizers and the seizure of crucial digital evidence related to the betting network. The ED is also conducting its own investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) into promotional campaigns that allegedly disguised unregulated gambling apps as entertainment or charity-linked initiatives.

According to reports, the CID questioned Prakash Raj and Vijay Deverakonda about payments, commissions, and contracts related to the online betting promotions. The investigation is reportedly focusing on whether their endorsements violated Indian gambling laws by promoting unregulated platforms.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed by the Telangana government in March 2025, is handling multiple cases involving online betting platforms operating without proper authorization. The SIT functions under the direct supervision of the Director-General of Police and the CID chief.