The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a probe into a high-profile betting app scam based on a Cyberabad police FIR. Among the 29 accused are film and TV personalities like Vijay Deverakonda (known for his breakout role in Arjun Reddy), Prakash Raj (popularly remembered as Jaykant Shikre from Singham), Rana Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagalla, and anchor Srimukhi.
These celebrities allegedly endorsed and promoted betting apps such as A23, JeetWin, FairPlay, and Junglee Rummy through paid campaigns, online ads, and pop-ups.
The FIR: A Trail of Deception and Digital Ads
The case was triggered by a March 2024 FIR filed by Miyapur Police in Cyberabad. The report cited fraudulent promotion of gambling platforms under multiple legal provisions, including:
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Section 318(4) & 112 of the Bharat Nyay Sanhita,
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Section 4 of the Telangana State Gaming Act (TSGA),
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Section 66-D of the IT Act.
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The FIR claimed that the actors and influencers used online visibility to drive traffic to the betting apps—encouraging digital gambling in violation of Indian laws.
Actors Respond: Denials and Clarifications
Reacting to the developments, Prakash Raj stated via X (formerly Twitter) that he promoted a gaming app back in 2016 but withdrew from it in 2017 after realizing its impropriety. “Since then, I have not endorsed any gaming applications,” he said, pledging cooperation with law enforcement if needed.
Rana Daggubati echoed a similar position, asserting that his association with Junglee Rummy ended in 2017 and was limited to legally permitted zones. His legal team cited the Supreme Court’s distinction between skill-based games and gambling.
What’s Next? ED Probes the Money Trail
The ED is now closely examining bank transactions and digital evidence to trace possible money laundering or illicit payments linked to these endorsements. Authorities suspect that the paid promotions may have helped legitimize unlawful betting platforms, which often target vulnerable users with deceptive ads.
Further investigation is underway, and the actors may soon be summoned for questioning. Legal experts say this case may set a precedent for future accountability in celebrity-brand tie-ups—especially involving fintech, crypto, and online gaming platforms.