NDC DESK
ED Names Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati Among 29 Celebrities in Betting App Investigation
Hyderabad: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has named 29 celebrities, including well-known actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and Prakash Raj, in connection with an ongoing investigation into illegal online betting platforms.
According to reports from News18, the ED’s Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) was filed following a complaint by businessman Phanindra Sarma. The complaint alleges that celebrity endorsements of betting apps misled financially vulnerable individuals, leading to significant financial losses.
The ED’s investigation builds on a First Information Report (FIR) previously filed by the Cyberabad Police in Telangana. That FIR also lists actors Nidhhi Agerwal, Manchu Lakshmi, Pranitha Subhash, Srimukhi, and digital influencers such as Harsha Sai and creators of the YouTube channel Local Boi Nani.
This marks one of the most wide-reaching crackdowns on celebrity-backed online gaming and betting platforms in the country. Authorities suspect that several of these promotional activities may have been used as fronts for laundering large sums of money, while creating the illusion of legitimate advertising for skill-based games.
In response, actor Vijay Deverakonda defended his association with A23, a platform he described as focused on skill-based gaming, not illegal betting. His team cited the Supreme Court’s recognition of rummy as a legitimate game of skill to support their stance.
Rana Daggubati has also issued a clarification via his legal representatives, stating that his professional relationship with a gaming app ended in 2017. He maintained that all related promotions were conducted only in jurisdictions where they were legally permissible.
Veteran actor Prakash Raj acknowledged that he had endorsed Junglee Rummy in 2016 but said the agreement was terminated within a year. “It was legally sound but did not align with my ethical values,” he said.
The investigation continues as the ED examines the nature of the promotional deals and potential violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
