A total of 29 individuals, including prominent actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rana Daggubati, have been booked by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an illegal betting app case that has triggered widespread concern over celebrity-endorsed gambling platforms.
The ED’s case, registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), is based on a First Information Report filed by the Cyberabad Police in Hyderabad, following a complaint by businessman Phanindra Sarma. The investigation focuses on the alleged promotion of unregulated online betting applications that have caused severe financial distress, particularly among lower and middle-income households.
“The case involves serious violations under the PMLA. Several individuals promoted betting platforms through social media and endorsements, thereby encouraging unlawful activity,” an ED official stated.
Deverakonda, Daggubati, and actors Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, Pranitha Subhash, Nidhhi Agerwal, Ananya Nagalla, Srimukhi, and Siri Hanumanth, among others, have been named in the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR). YouTubers, television stars, and digital influencers also figure prominently on the list.
Also read: Promoting betting apps: Daggubatti, Deverkonda booked
The FIR, lodged in March, alleges that the accused celebrities accepted payments to promote illegal gambling apps, leading vulnerable users to invest large sums. “These apps deal with enormous financial volumes and have reportedly led to economic ruin for several families,” the complaint states.
Many of the accused are believed to have promoted such apps via Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms. Authorities claim that these endorsements have indirectly contributed to addiction and economic instability across socio-economic strata.
The list also includes digital creators such as Tasty Teja, Local Boy Nani, and influencers Ajay, Sunny, and Sudheer. Others named include Vishnu Priya, Shobha Shetty, Varshini Sounderajan, Nayani Pavani, and YouTuber Bhaiyya Sunny Yadav.
The Enforcement Directorate is now preparing to issue formal notices to all those named. Investigations into the financial transactions between the celebrities and betting operators are underway.
The agency is also probing links between this network and the wider Mahadev betting app case, which had earlier seen a number of high-profile interrogations.
Follow us
