The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has charged 29 celebrities over their alleged involvement in promoting illegal betting apps. Some of the top stars such as Vijay Devarakonda, Prakash Raj, Rana Daggubati, and a handful of others, are among the 29 celebrities.
The ED’s Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIP) follows a complaint made by businessman Phanindra Sarma, which claimed that the endorsements from public figures has misled financially vulnerable users, resulting in heavy financial loss, as per News18.
Niddhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhas among top names
Subsequent to the ED’s measures, the Cyberabad Police registered an FIR in Telangana to continue their investigation. The FIR includes some notable actors and social media influencers like Niddhi Agarwal, Manchu Lakshmi, Pranitha Subhas, Srimukhi and digital creators like Harshal Sai and YouTube channel Local Boi Nani’s creator.
The betting apps and gaming platforms like the Junglee Rummy have used various actors and sportspersons to promote their brand. This is one of the big instances of significant action taken against celebrities and influencers who promote illegal betting apps and websites in India. Various reports have suggested that the endorsements have been used to launder large sums of money.
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Vijay Devarakonda, Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj distance themselves from allegations
Reportedly, Vijay Devarakonda has tried to defend his involvement with the A23 Rummy Gaming app. He mentioned that it’s a skill-based gaming site, not just a place for illegal betting. Reports suggest his team has highlighted that the Supreme Court of India considers rummy a game of skill.
Rana Daggubati mentioned via his legal team that he finished his part with a gaming app back in 2017, clearing up any claims he’s linked to it.
Prakash Raj, a well-known Tollywood actor, revealed that he was linked with the Junglee Rummy platform back in 2016, but the deal didn’t last beyond a year. “It was legally sound but did not align with my ethical values,” the veteran actor was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
