Latest news with #TelanganaGamingAct
Hans India
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Rana Daggubati to depose before ED tomorrow
Hyderabad: Ina major crackdown in the illegal betting app scam, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday summoned actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda and Manchu Lakshmi for allegedly promoting betting apps across social media platforms. They have been asked to depose on separate dates. Daggubati has been asked to appear before the ED on July 23, followed by Prakash Raj on July 30, Deverakonda (August 6) and Lakshmi (August 13). The ED has booked cases against 29 film and TV personalities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and launched an investigation into how huge revenue is generated through illegal betting and gambling platforms. Official sources said that the celebrities endorsed platforms like Junglee Rummy, JeetWin and Lotus365 in return for promotional fees, without verifying the legal status of those apps. Based on FIRs filed by Telangana and Andhra Pradesh police against them, the ED launched a probe into the alleged money transactions and hawala transfers from the promoters of the betting apps to the accounts of the celebrities. Police booked cases under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Telangana Gaming Act (2017) – which bans all forms of online betting – and the IT Act. The agency officials will record the statements of the four celebrities during interrogations revolving around possible money laundering. It should be noted that some film personalities have already made statements that they were not aware of the legality of running the betting apps until the police booked cases against them. The ED officials will analyse the contracts signed by the celebrities during the investigation. The probe will focus on tracing the proceeds of crime and the extent of the money that may have been laundered through promotional deals, sources said. The other celebrities whose names figured in the betting app scam include, Pranitha Subhash, Nidhhi Agerwal, Ananya Nagalla, Siri Hanumanth, Sreemukhi, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, Shobha Shetty, Amrutha Chowdhary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Pandu, Padmavati, Imran Khan, Vishnu Priya, Harsha Sai, Bhaiyya Sunny Yadav, Shyamala, Tasty Teja, Reethu Chowdhary and Bandaru Seshayani Supreetha.
Hans India
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Rana Daggubati, Devarakonda among 29 movers and shakers land in ED soup
Hyderabad: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered cases against 29 film and television celebrities, including popular actors Vijay Devarakonda and Rana Daggubati, for allegedly promoting online betting applications. The ED has filed a money laundering case and initiated an investigation into the generation of substantial funds through illegal betting and gambling. The agency intends to summon these celebrities to record their statements and ascertain their role in the promotion of online betting. Other celebrities named in the investigation concerning betting promotions include Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, Pranitha Subhash, Nidhhi Agerwal, Ananya Nagalla, Siri Hanumanth, Sreemukhi, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, Shobha Shetty, Amrutha Chowdhary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Pandu, Padmavati, Imran Khan, Vishnu Priya, Harsha Sai, Bhaiyya Sunny Yadav, Shyamala, Tasty Teja, Reethu Chowdhary, and Bandaru Seshayani Supreetha. The probing agency is investigating whether these celebrities received large sums of money for the promotional campaigns of the betting apps. The ED suspects extensive money laundering in the entire operation of running these betting apps through celebrity promotions. Sources indicate that the police had 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 advertisements and other channels. The case was booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Telangana Gaming Act (2017) – which prohibits all forms of online betting – and the IT Act. A total of 29 public figures have been named in the ED's case. Sources revealed that the probing agency found that the celebrities promoted apps such as Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, and Lotus365, and received promotional fees without verifying the legal status of these services. Some of the celebrities have already provided their statements during questioning by the police, who registered cases based on recent public complaints. The ED will record their statements in the coming days to determine the extent of their involvement. The ED is also gathering additional complaints and First Information Reports (FIRs) to expand the scope of the investigation. The probe will focus on tracing the proceeds of crime and understanding how much money may have been laundered through these promotional deals. The ED is expected to assess each individual's level of knowledge and intent before drawing conclusions about potential criminal liability, according to sources.
Hindustan Times
10-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati among 29 actors under ED scanner in betting app case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against 29 celebrities on Thursday – including actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and several social media influencers – for allegedly promoting illegal online betting platforms. Vijay Deverakonda (PTI) The ECIR names high-profile figures such as Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, Manchu Lakshmi, and two television hosts. Influencers like Harsha Sai and the creators of the 'Local Boi Nani' channel are also reportedly under ED's scrutiny. According to sources cited by news agency PTI, several celebrities are suspected of having "endorsed" online betting platforms such as Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, and Lotus365 in exchange for endorsement or celebrity fees. The sources also mentioned that some of these "well-known" individuals have previously claimed they were unaware of how the apps functioned. They stated they had no intention of promoting anything illegal or participating in any form of betting. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is likely to record the statements of those named in the coming days. Meanwhile, officials are gathering more FIRs and seeking additional complainants who may have been defrauded by these betting platforms. A broader investigation is currently underway to determine the total amount of "proceeds of crime" generated by these platforms, as well as to assess the precise involvement of each celebrity. Their level of culpability will be determined after their statements are recorded, the sources added. Officials suspect that substantial sums were moved through these promotional activities, potentially involving money laundering. The move comes after a businessman filed a complaint in March, accusing the celebrities of promoting betting apps via social media pop-up ads and other channels. Based on this complaint, police registered a case on March 19 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. What does the complaint say? An FIR was registered at Hyderabad's Miyapur Police Station in March, based on a complaint by 32-year-old businessman PM Phanindra Sarma. The complaint raised concerns over a growing trend of celebrities and influencers promoting illegal gambling apps, allegedly in violation of the Public Gambling Act of 1867. Phanindra said that during a discussion with young people in his community on March 16, he learned that several had been persuaded to invest money in gambling platforms promoted widely by social media personalities. The complaint alleges that these celebrities were paid large sums to endorse betting apps that encourage people to risk their money. Phanindra also shared that he nearly invested in one such app himself but ultimately decided against it after his family advised him about the financial risks involved. Vijay Deverakonda's team responded to the FIR filed against him by Telangana police. In a press release, they stated: 'This is to inform the public and all concerned parties that Mr Vijay Deverakonda had officially entered into a contract with a company solely for the limited purpose of serving as a brand ambassador for skill-based games. His endorsement was strictly confined to regions and territories where online skill-based games are legally permitted.' They also clarified that he did not endorse any illegal betting platforms, saying the endorsement was strictly for "online skill-based games that are legally permitted."
News18
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Why Have Vijay Deverakonda, Prakash Raj & More Been Named In Betting App Scam Case? Explained
How Did The Controversy Begin? The probe began after a 32-year-old businessman PM Phanindra Sarma filed a complaint in March, raising concerns over a growing trend of celebrities and influencers promoting illegal gambling apps, allegedly in violation of the Public Gambling Act of 1867. Phanindra shared that during a conversation with young members of his community on March 16, he discovered that several of them had been influenced to invest money in gambling platforms heavily promoted by social media influencers. According to the complaint, these influencers were paid significant amounts to endorse betting apps that entice users to gamble their money. Phanindra also revealed that he had considered investing in one of these apps himself but chose not to after his family cautioned him about the potential financial risks. The FIR was registered under sections 318(4) and 112 read with 49 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), sections 3, 3(A), and 4 of the Telangana Gaming Act, and section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act. Who Are The Celebrities Involved? 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 The ED has also named key individuals involved in the operation and management of these betting apps : 26. Operators of the betting platforms 27. Kiran Goud 28. Social media influencers Ajay, Sunny, and Sudheer 29. YouTube channel 'Local Boy Nani' Did The Celebrities Respond? Defending his association with an app, Deverakonda said it was a skill-based platform and did not promote illegal betting.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Time of India
Case against 4 betting sites as student loses 50L, pal ends life
Hyderabad: Cyberabad police have registered a case against four online betting portals and six other individuals accused of defrauding a 27-year-old student of 50 lakh and allegedly driving another man to suicide. On Friday night, a student from Miyapur filed a complaint detailing how Instagram reels led him to a Telegram channel in December 2023, while he was pursuing a management degree in Italy. The channel, operated by a fraudster claiming to be from Jagtial, promised 'guaranteed toss-fix' predictions for cricket matches and displayed fabricated screenshots of significant winnings. After receiving two initially correct tips, the complainant and his friend, a native of Bhopal, began wagering substantial sums through various betting websites promoted by the fraudsters in 2024. "He promised fixed match outcomes, showed fake screenshots of winnings, and encouraged us to place bets through offshore betting websites. Initially, he gave two correct predictions, likely staged to gain our trust. Encouraged by this and reassured by his repeated promises, we began placing bets via money transfers. All subsequent predictions turned out to be false. I personally lost around 50 lakh, while my friend from Bhopal, who placed even larger bets on credit, lost about 60 lakh," the complainant alleged. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo According to police, the fraudsters operated multiple invitation-only Telegram groups to conceal their identities and promote illegal betting, posing a threat to public order by staying ahead of enforcement measures. "Tragically, due to the psychological pressure caused by the fraudsters' repeated false assurances, my friend ended his life on December 6, 2024. The network is a serious threat to public order, promoting illicit betting sites and using mule accounts to launder money," said the complainant, who is now back in Hyderabad. Following the complaint, Cyberabad cyber crime police registered a case under Sections 316(5) (criminal breach of trust by a public servant, banker, merchant or agent), 318(4) (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 3(1)(i) of the Telangana Gaming Act, and Section 66-D of the IT Act against four betting websites and six fraudsters promoting them through social media groups. Police are currently analysing evidence provided by the complainant, including chat logs and transaction records, to zero in on the offenders. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
