The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against 29 public figures, including actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and Prakash Raj, for allegedly promoting illegal online betting platforms, media reported.
The list includes actors Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, TV personalities like Manchu Lakshmi, and digital influencers such as Harsha Sai and the creators behind ‘Local Boi Nani’.
Officials suspect that these endorsements may have facilitated money laundering, with large sums allegedly routed through promotional campaigns on social media platforms, including pop-up ads and influencer videos.
Case Background:
A businessman’s complaint in March triggered the case, accusing celebrities of endorsing illegal betting apps. Based on the complaint, police registered a case on March 19 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Telangana Gaming Act (2017), and the Information Technology (IT) Act.
Vijay Deverakonda Responds:
In a March press statement, Deverakonda’s team clarified:
“Mr Vijay Deverakonda entered into a contract with a company solely to act as a brand ambassador for skill-based games, limited strictly to legally permitted regions. He did not promote or endorse any illegal betting platforms.”
Next Steps:
Authorities have confirmed that notices will be issued to all celebrities named in the FIR. The ED is expected to probe whether their endorsements violated financial regulations or aided unlawful gambling operations.
The Telangana Gaming Act, 2017, prohibits all forms of online betting, and this case could set a precedent for celebrity accountability in brand endorsements.
Stay tuned for updates on summons, ED investigations, and industry reactions.