Home

News

Video

In-Short
ED Books Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and 27 Others in Betting App Scam Investigation.
  • 557 views
  • 2 min read

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated action against 29 celebrities, including actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and Prakash Raj, for allegedly promoting illegal online betting platforms. The ED's case follows a complaint filed by businessman Phanindra Sarma, who alleges that these celebrities endorsed betting apps through pop-up ads and other means on social media, misleading financially vulnerable users and causing them significant losses.

The ED has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR). The list of celebrities under scrutiny also includes Nidhhi Agerwal, Manchu Lakshmi, Pranitha Subhash, Sreemukhi, and several social media influencers like Harsha Sai and the creators of the 'Local Boi Nani' YouTube channel. Authorities suspect that substantial sums of money were moved through these promotional activities, potentially involving money laundering.

The case is based on an FIR (First Information Report) filed earlier by the Cyberabad Police in Telangana. The FIR was registered on March 19 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Telangana Gaming Act (2017), which bans all forms of online betting, and the IT Act. The charges cover digital cheating, unlawful promotion of gambling platforms, and misleading users through electronic means.

Vijay Deverakonda's team responded to the FIR in March, stating that he had a contract with a company to serve as a brand ambassador for skill-based games only. His endorsement was strictly confined to regions where online skill-based games are legally permitted, and he did not endorse any illegal betting platforms. Similarly, Rana Daggubati clarified 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. Prakash Raj admitted to endorsing Junglee Rummy in 2016 but stated that the contract was compliant with existing regulations.

Other prominent Telugu TV personalities and digital content creators named in the case include Varshini Sounderajan, Siri Hanumanth, Vasanthi Krishnan, Shobha Shetty, Amrutha Chowdary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Imran Khan, Padmavati, Pandu, Vishnu Priya, Harsha Sai, Bhayya Sunny Yadav, Tasty Teja, Ritu Chowdary, and Bandaru Supreetha. Police allege that these individuals endorsed and circulated links to illegal betting apps in exchange for high commissions.

With cases registered across Hyderabad, Cyberabad, Visakhapatnam, and Suryapet, the ED has begun tracing the financial transactions involved. The investigation aims to determine the extent of the celebrities' involvement and the financial implications of their endorsements. The ED suspects the endorsements may have been used to launder large sums of money, impacting thousands of unsuspecting users. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities plan to issue notices to all those named in the FIR.


Writer - Kavya Reddy
Kavya Reddy is a dynamic journalist with a passion for uncovering compelling stories and a keen interest in sports. She brings a fresh perspective and a commitment to accurate, impactful reporting. Kavya is particularly interested in socio-economic issues and local community narratives, eager to use her skills to shed light on underreported topics and give a voice to diverse perspectives, all while staying connected to her love for sports.
Advertisement

Latest Post


Sports  |  Jul 10, 2025
The Edmonton Oilers are maneuvering to create cap space for the 2025-26 season, with a focus on integrating forward David Tomasek into the lineup. To accommodate Tomasek, the Oilers have already made some moves this offseason and may need to make add...

Sports  |  Jul 10, 2025
A charity gala hosted by Yuvraj Singh's YouWeCan foundation in London raised over £1 million to support cancer patients. The event, held between India's victorious Edgbaston Test and the upcoming Lord's clash, saw the entire Indian squad, including c...

Business  |  Jul 10, 2025
India, the world's third-largest oil consumer, is heavily reliant on imports to meet its energy demands, importing over 85% of its oil needs and about half of its natural gas requirements. To address this import dependence and bolster energy security...

Entertainment  |  Jul 10, 2025
Veteran actor Annu Kapoor has strongly condemned violence stemming from language conflicts, asserting that it constitutes a criminal offense. His remarks come in response to the recent Hindi-Marathi conflict in Maharashtra. Kapoor emphasized the impo...

Advertisement
World  |  Jul 10, 2025
A newly opened restaurant owned by comedian Kapil Sharma in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, was struck by gunfire on Wednesday night. The incident, which involved multiple shots fired at the establishment, has sparked concern in the local community...

Entertainment  |  Jul 10, 2025
Leaked details surrounding the opening act of *Avengers: Doomsday*, slated for release on May 1, 2026, suggest a massive, reality-shattering battle that plunges viewers headfirst into the film's multiverse conflict. The sheer scale of this initial co...

Entertainment  |  Jul 10, 2025
This weekend offers a diverse range of entertainment options, catering to different tastes. For those seeking a thought-provoking cinematic experience, "Zero Se Restart" is now available for streaming. Alternatively, for those in the Seattle area, ex...

Sports  |  Jul 10, 2025
The Utah Mammoth are heading into a crucial offseason after a promising inaugural season that saw them finish just shy of a playoff spot. With a new team name and a hefty amount of cap space, the Mammoth have the opportunity to make significant impro...

Advertisement
About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 DailyDigest360