29 Tollywood Stars Under Investigation in India for Promoting Illegal Betting Platforms
Among those under scrutiny are actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Nidhhi Agerwal, Pranitha Subhash, Manchu Lakshmi, Ananya Nagalla, TV hosts Sreemukhi and Shyamala, and influencer Harsha Sai.
What’s the Case About?
The federal agency Enforcement Directorate (ED) suspects 29 celebrities of being involved in a money laundering scheme through the promotion of illegal online betting platforms such as “Junglee Rummy,” “A23,” “JeetWin,” and “Lotus365.”
The investigation was launched following a complaint from a Hyderabad resident who alleged that celebrity endorsements were fueling a rise in gambling addiction across the country.
Which Laws Were Allegedly Violated?
The case is being pursued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED reportedly reviewed at least five police complaints before initiating the probe. The main allegations include:
- Receiving payments for endorsing illegal betting platforms
- Involvement in fraudulent and money laundering activities
- Promoting banned gambling services through social media
Who’s Under Scrutiny?
The list includes popular film actors, TV personalities, and digital influencers. Below is a table of the main suspects:
| Name | Profession |
|---|---|
| Vijay Deverakonda | Actor |
| Rana Daggubati | Actor |
| Prakash Raj | Actor |
| Manchu Lakshmi | Actress |
| Nidhhi Agerwal | Actress |
| Pranitha Subhash | Actress |
| Ananya Nagalla | Actress |
| Sreemukhi | TV Host |
| Shyamala | TV Host |
| Harsha Sai | Influencer |
Public Response and Defense
Some celebrities have claimed they were unaware of the illegal nature of the platforms and believed they were promoting legitimate brands. Several argue they acted only as endorsers and were not involved in the operational aspects of the apps.
What Happens Next?
The ED continues to collect evidence and conduct interviews. Financial records of the accused are under review, with further questioning and document analysis expected.
Authorities are trying to determine the extent of illegal earnings generated through the promotions and whether users were misled into gambling through these apps.
Potential Consequences
- Financial penalties and asset seizures
- Possible criminal charges for complicity in money laundering
- Bans on endorsing products in certain sectors
Conclusion
The investigation into 29 Indian celebrities is gaining momentum. Authorities aim to determine whether the individuals acted knowingly or fell victim to lack of due diligence. What’s clear is that celebrity involvement in promoting gambling platforms could have serious implications — both for the public figures involved and their audiences.