In a sweeping investigation that spans multiple regions, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched an inquiry against 29 public personalities—including renowned actors, television presenters, and digital influencers—for allegedly endorsing online betting applications suspected of violating Indian law.

The case, which stems from multiple FIRs filed in Panjagutta, Miyapur, Suryapet, Cyberabad, and Visakhapatnam, centers on claims that these individuals received substantial payments to promote gambling platforms under the pretense of skill-based gaming. The investigation falls under the scope of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), alongside charges under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, the Information Technology Act, and the Telangana State Gaming Act.

Among those under scrutiny are actors Vijay Deverakonda, Prakash Raj, Rana Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi, and Nidhhi Agerwal, in addition to TV and digital personalities such as Srimukhi, Ananya Nagalla, and Harsha Sai. Prominent YouTubers and social media figures, including creators of the ‘Local Boi Nani’ channel, are also named in the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR).

Celebrities Accused of Promoting Betting Apps Disguised as Entertainment

Authorities allege that the celebrities lent their names and reach to applications like Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, A23, Parimatch, Yolo 247, and Lotus365—many of which are now under scrutiny for allegedly operating as betting services. Some of these endorsements were reportedly framed as community engagement or entertainment content, which misled users into participating in illegal activities.

The investigation was sparked by a formal complaint filed on March 19 at the Miyapur Police Station by businessman PM Phanindra Sarma. He raised alarm over a surge in digital advertisements featuring well-known faces promoting platforms that, according to him, drove unsuspecting users to financial ruin. Sarma claimed that he had considered investing in one such app himself but refrained after being advised by family members. He cited conversations with youth from his locality who admitted to being drawn into these betting platforms through influencer campaigns.

Following this, Cyberabad police registered a case against 25 individuals under multiple sections of the Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (Sections 318(4), 112 read with Section 49), the Telangana Gaming Act, and Section 66-D of the IT Act—laws that address online fraud, deceptive advertising, and the unlawful promotion of gambling.

Prakash Raj Clarifies: Ended Gaming App Endorsement in 2017

In response to the growing controversy, several of the accused have issued clarifications. Actor Prakash Raj, in a social media post, stated, “Since then, I have not promoted any gaming applications.” He clarified that although he endorsed a gaming app in 2016, he exited the agreement in 2017 after realising it was not appropriate.

Rana Daggubati, also named in the complaint, asserted through his legal team that his collaboration with a gaming platform concluded in 2017 and was limited to jurisdictions where such services were legally permitted. He cited existing legal precedent that differentiates skill-based games from gambling.

Vijay Deverakonda’s representatives issued a press statement explaining, “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.”

ED to Summon More Celebrities, FIRs Under Review

Officials within the ED are now expected to summon the individuals named in the ECIR for questioning. According to reports the investigation indicate that more FIRs are being examined, and fresh complaints from alleged victims are being collected to assess the financial scale of the suspected wrongdoing.

Investigators suspect that the promotional campaigns—conducted through pop-up ads and social media—enabled large-scale money laundering operations masked as legitimate celebrity endorsements. As the probe continues, enforcement agencies are analysing transaction histories and digital trails to determine the depth of involvement of each individual and the total value of the suspected “proceeds of crime.”

This development marks one of the most significant crackdowns in India on celebrity and influencer involvement in potentially illicit online gambling schemes. With growing public concern and legal scrutiny intensifying, more disclosures are anticipated in the coming weeks.