Mumbai: The Cyberabad police in Telangana have filed an FIR against 25 celebrities, including Tollywood actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, Praneetha, and Nidhi Agarwal, for allegedly promoting illegal betting, gambling, and casino apps, causing financial distress to the public.
The FIR, based on a complaint by businessman P.M. Phanindra Sarma, accuses these celebrities and social media influencers of endorsing betting platforms via social media promotions and pop-up ads. The complaint alleges that these endorsements encourage people—especially those in financial need—to invest their money in gambling platforms, leading to financial ruin.
Allegations Against Celebrities & Influencers
- Rana Daggubati & Prakash Raj: Named as Accused 1 and Accused 2, both are alleged to have promoted Junglee Rummy through pop-up ads.
- Vijay Deverakonda: Accused of endorsing multiple platforms, including A23 Rummy, Yolo247, Fairplay Live, and Jeet Win.
- Manchu Lakshmi, Praneetha, and Nidhi Agarwal: Accused of promoting gambling apps through social media and digital advertising.
- Influencers Harsha Sai, Bayya Sunny Yadav, and Tastyteja: Named in the FIR for directly promoting multiple gambling platforms through sponsored videos and online ads.
Speaking about the case, Avinash Mohanty, Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad, said, “This is just the beginning of the investigation. We will examine these apps, their origins, and the people involved. Based on available evidence, further action will be taken.”
Legal Charges Filed
The police have registered cases under:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Sections 318(4) (cheating), 112 (petty organized crime), and 49 (abetment).
- Telangana State Gaming Act (TSGA): Sections 3, 3(A), and 4 (common gaming house operations).
- Information Technology (IT) Act: Section 66(D) (cheating by personation using a computer resource).
The FIR states, “These platforms are encouraging public, especially people in dire need of money, to invest their hard-earned and family money into those apps/websites and slowly get addicted to them, leading to total financial collapse.”
It further highlights the widespread impact of gambling apps, saying, “All the above-referred betting applications are in direct violation of the gambling laws and regulations, especially, the Public Gambling Act of 1867, causing harm to individuals and society by encouraging this addictive easy money-making mechanism, leading to financial distress.”
Authorities suspect this case is just the “tip of the iceberg,” with many more celebrities and influencers allegedly promoting gambling platforms. The police are expected to expand their investigation to track financial transactions linked to these endorsements.
This development has sparked discussions on celebrity endorsements and their accountability in promoting platforms that could lead to financial losses for the public. The case is currently under investigation, with further action expected in the coming weeks.
