HYDERABAD– Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its scrutiny of unlawful online betting operations, casting a wide net that now includes several well-known personalities from the entertainment sphere. Actor Rana Daggubati, widely recognized for his work, is among the latest to receive an official summons, as authorities pursue a complex case involving alleged financial irregularities linked to digital gambling.
Key Figures Face Interrogation as Investigation Progresses
The inquiry has seen fresh directives issued to Mr. Daggubati, who has been asked to present himself before investigators on August 11, following a request for additional time from an earlier scheduled appearance. Beyond the prominent actor, the probe extends to other celebrated individuals. Veteran performer Prakash Raj is slated for July 30, while popular star Vijay Deverakonda is expected on August 6. Television personality Manchu Lakshmi has also been directed to appear on August 13.
Deceptive Endorsements Under Scrutiny
Central to the investigation are serious accusations that these public figures lent their influence to promote online betting platforms such as Junglee Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Parimatch and Lotus365. These applications are suspected of operating outside legal boundaries. Investigators allege that celebrities received substantial payments for online endorsements, many of which were reportedly presented to the public as benign entertainment or charity-driven content. In reality, authorities believe these were targeted marketing campaigns for unregulated gambling. A complainant has already come forward, alleging a loss exceeding ₹3 crore after being influenced by a YouTube endorsement. The ED is assessing if these promotional activities constituted a coordinated effort to direct users to unauthorized platforms.
The Expanding List of Individuals Implicated
The formal legal process began with the registration of an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) earlier this month under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This comprehensive document names 29 individuals, encompassing not only actors but also television personalities, prominent YouTubers, and social media influencers. Among those publicly identified in the ECIR are actors Praneetha and Nidhi Agarwal, alongside media personalities such as Ananya Nagella, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, and Shoba Shetty. Authorities indicate that more summons are anticipated as the intricate investigation deepens.
Legal Foundations and Geographical Reach of the Probe
The current inquiry is built upon a foundation of five separate First Information Reports (FIRs) previously filed across multiple regions, including Panjagutta, Miyapur, Cyberabad, Suryapet, and Visakhapatnam. These initial complaints highlighted suspected violations of the Public Gambling Act of 1867, a key statute governing wagering activities in India. The broad geographical spread of the originating FIRs suggests a wide-ranging illicit operation that spanned several regions.