Hyderabad: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned prominent Telugu film personalities Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Lakshmi Manchu for questioning in a money laundering case related to alleged illegal online betting and gambling platforms. The probe agency recently registered a case against these four celebrities and a number of other social media influencers.
Rana Daggubati has been directed to appear before the ED’s zonal office in Hyderabad on July 23. Prakash Raj has been summoned for July 30, Vijay Deverakonda for August 6, and Lakshmi Manchu for August 13.
The ED alleges that these four stars had “endorsed” online betting apps, such as Junglee Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Lotus365, and Parimatch, which are suspected of generating “illicit” funds. Officials told PTI that the statements of the actors will be recorded under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The PMLA is a law enacted by the Indian Parliament to prevent money laundering and to provide for the confiscation of property derived from such activities.
The federal probe agency initiated its case after taking cognizance of as many as five First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by state police across Panjagutta, Miyapur, Visakhapatnam, Suryapet, and Cyberabad. These FIRs allege the promotion of gambling platforms and illegal betting applications.
Sources indicate that these online platforms are alleged to have generated “illicit” funds worth crores of rupees through illegal betting and gambling. Some of the “well-known” persons summoned have previously stated that they were unaware of the exact functioning of the apps or products and claimed they did not associate themselves with these platforms for any wrongdoing or illegal activity like betting.
The investigation follows a complaint filed on March 19, 2025, by P.M. Phanindra Sarma of Miyapur, who observed young individuals being drawn to online betting due to celebrity endorsements and alleged that these platforms target vulnerable groups with promises of easy returns, leading to debt. The ED is examining whether these promotional campaigns were part of a coordinated effort to attract users to unauthorized betting sites.
More summons are anticipated as the investigation continues to trace the full extent of the alleged money laundering and the involvement of various individuals.