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Time of India
10-07-2025
- Time of India
Actors in ED crosshairs over illegal betting apps; ECIRs against 29 celebrities including Prakash Raj, Prakash Raj, Nidhi Agarwal & Manchu Lakshmi, influencers for promoting gambling platforms
HYDERABAD: In a major crackdown on illegal online betting networks, Enforcement Directorate has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against 29 actors, influencers, and social media personalities for allegedly endorsing gambling platforms in violation of the law. The investigation, initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, stems from five FIRs filed by police in Panjagutta, Miyapur, Cyberabad, Suryapet and Visakhapatnam in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Among the high-profile actors named in the ECIR are Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, and Manchu Lakshmi, as well as television hosts Sreemukhi and Shyamala. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad YouTubers, digital influencers also under agency's scanner Prominent YouTubers and digital influencers like Harsha Sai, Bayya Sunny Yadav, and the team behind the 'Local Boi Nani' channel are also under the agency's scanner. The ED suspects these individuals promoted betting platforms such as Junglee Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Parimatch, Lotus365, and others-allegedly in violation of the Public Gambling Act, 1867. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เปรียบเทียบสเปรด: ระหว่าง Bitcoin และ Ethereum CFDs IC Markets อ่านเพิ่มเติม Undo Investigators also suspect large sums of money were routed through these campaigns, potentially amounting to money laundering. The ED is expected to summon all 29 individuals named in the ECIR in the coming weeks to record their statements. Investigators are also reportedly tracing the financial trails of paid promotions, sponsorship deals, and digital ad revenue associated with the named platforms. The actors, however, denied any wrongdoing and said they terminated the contracts after ethical concerns were raised. The crackdown follows a series of public complaints highlighting the adverse influence of celebrity-endorsed gambling promotions. One such complaint came from PM Phanindra Sarma of Miyapur, who filed a police report on March 19, 2025, warning that celebrity endorsements were fuelling a surge in gambling in youth. "I nearly invested after seeing promotions by popular influencers, only my family's intervention stopped me," Sarma said in his complaint. He listed names including Daggubati (Junglee Rummy), Prakash Raj (Junglee Rummy) and Deverakonda (A23). Similarly, on March 17, Vinay Vangala, also from Miyapur, named influencers Imran Khan, Vishnu Priya, Harsha, and others in his complaint, citing their promotion of apps like JetX, Taj777, and Winbuzz via Instagram and Telegram. Earlier, on Feb 21, Puli Kumar Reddy from Visakhapatnam reported losing over ₹3.09 crore after being lured by YouTube promotions for platforms such as DAFABET, IXBET, and 10CRIC. He specifically pointed to the Local Boi Nani channel for marketing these platforms under the guise of entertainment. A suo motu FIR was registered by police constable M Manoj Kumar in Suryapet, flagging videos by Sunny Yadav. The fifth FIR was registered by Cyberabad cyber crime police, based on a complaint from Bandaru Venkatesh of Kukatpally, who said he lost ₹13.7 lakh after following betting advice from Harsha, who allegedly masked gambling endorsements behind a facade of philanthropy.
Hans India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
ED book cases against Telugu film actors
Hyderabad: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against 29 film celebrities for allegedly promoting illegal online betting platforms. Film actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj and some social media influencers among the celebrities were booked for allegedly promoting illegal online betting platforms. Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, Manchu Lakshmi, Influencers like Harsha Sai and the creators of the 'Local Boi Nani' channel are also reportedly under ED's scrutiny. The probing agency was investigating whether the celebrities received huge money for the promotional campaign of the betting apps. The ED was suspecting huge money laundering in the entire episode of running the betting apps through the promotional campaign by the celebrities. Sources said that police already registered a case based on a complaint lodged by a businessman who accused the celebrities of promoting betting apps via social media pop-up ads and other channels. The case was booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Telangana Gaming Act (2017) – which bans all forms of online betting – and the IT Act. The list of those named in the ED's case includes prominent film stars, television personalities, and digital influencers: 1. Rana Daggubati 2. Prakash Raj 3. Vijay Deverakonda 4. Manchu Lakshmi 5. Pranitha Subhash 6. Nidhhi Agerwal 7. Ananya Nagalla 8. Siri Hanumanth 9. Sreemukhi 10. Varshini Sounderajan 11. Vasanthi Krishnan 12. Shobha Shetty 13. Amrutha Chowdhary 14. Nayani Pavani 15. Neha Pathan 16. Pandu 17. Padmavati 18. Imran Khan 19. Vishnu Priya 20. Harsha Sai 21. Bhaiyya Sunny Yadav 22. Shyamala 23. Tasty Teja 24. Reethu Chowdhary 25. Bandaru Seshayani Supreetha
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati among 29 celebs booked by ED in betting app scam
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has booked 29 celebrities. This includes leading actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and Prakash Raj, for their alleged involvement in promoting illegal betting applications. As reported by News 18, the ED's Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) follows a complaint by businessman Phanindra Sarma, which claimed that endorsements from prominent public figures misled financially vulnerable users, resulting in heavy losses. The ED action is based on an FIR filed earlier by the Cyberabad Police in Telangana, which also names actors Nidhhi Agerwal, Manchu Lakshmi, Pranitha Subhash, Srimukhi, and digital influencers, including Harsha Sai and creators of the YouTube channel Local Boi Nani. This high-profile crackdown marks one of the most significant actions taken against celebrity and influencer-backed online betting platforms in India. Reportedly, the officials suspect that the endorsements may have been used to launder large sums of money. All of these are under the guise of promotions, which can impact thousands of unsuspecting users. Allegations and reactions: Celebs clarify their stand - 'It was legally sound but did not align with my ethical values' Vijay Deverakonda responded by defending his association with A23. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How You Can Benefit from Elite Trader Gopal's Laxman Rekha Strategy TradeWise Learn More Undo According to the reports, he stated that it is a skill-based gaming platform and not illegal betting. Reportedly, his team emphasized that rummy has been legally recognized as a game of skill by the Supreme Court of India. Vijay Devarakonda or Nikhil Chavan, who nailed this look better? Actor Rana Daggubati also distanced himself from the allegations, clarifying through his legal team that his collaboration with a gaming app ended in 2017, and all promotions were confined to legally permitted regions after proper vetting. Veteran actor Prakash Raj admitted endorsing Junglee Rummy in 2016, but added that the contract was terminated within a year. 'It was legally sound but did not align with my ethical values,' he stated. More details about the case are expected to be out soon.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Deverakonda among 29 actors listed in ED betting app dossier
HYDERABAD: In a major crackdown, ED has lodged an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against 29 actors and social media personalities for allegedly endorsing illegal online betting networks, report Among the high-profile names in the ECIR are actors Vijay Deverakonda , Rana Daggubati , Prakash Raj , Nidhi Agarwal , Pranitha Subhash , and Manchu Lakshmi as well as two TV hosts. Influencers like Harsha Sai, and the team behind the 'Local Boi Nani' channel are under ED scanner. Investigators suspect large sums of money were routed through these campaigns, potentially amounting to money laundering.
