Actors Rana Daggubati and Vijay Deverakonda Among Those Named in Betting App Case
The Hyderabad police have intensified their crackdown on illegal betting app promotions, extending their investigation beyond celebrities to event organizers. A case has now been registered against six high-profile celebrities, including actors Rana Daggubati and Vijay Deverakonda, along with 19 social media influencers. Authorities have also sought legal action against 20 event organizers by submitting a memo to the Kukatpally court, further expanding the scope of the investigation.
What’s the Case About?
According to The New Indian Express, the controversy began when a Hyderabad-based businessman filed a complaint with the Miyapur police, accusing several celebrities and influencers of endorsing unauthorized online betting platforms. The complaint alleges that these individuals received hefty commissions to promote these platforms through Facebook, Instagram, and other social media channels. The fraudulent betting sites lure users with promises of quick financial gains, ultimately leading them into gambling addiction and financial distress.
Promotion of Illegal Platforms
The complaint also highlights that these betting apps are not available on official app stores. Instead, they reach their target audience through aggressive social media advertising campaigns, making them easily accessible. Transactions worth crores of rupees reportedly take place on these platforms, raising concerns about their legality and financial impact on users.
Who Are the Accused?
The case has named six major film personalities—Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, Pranitha Subhash, Lakshmi Manchu, and Nidhhi Agerwal. Additionally, 19 social media influencers are also under scrutiny, including Ananya Nagella, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanti Krishnan, Shobha Shetty, Amrutha Choudhary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Pandu, Padmavati, Imran Khan, Vishnu Priya, Harsha Sai, Bayya Sunny Yadav, Shyamala, Tasty Teja, Ritu Choudhary, and Bandaru Seshayani Supritha.
Legal Action and Next Steps
The police have intensified their probe and are likely to summon the accused for questioning. The authorities have urged the court to take stringent action against those involved in the promotion of illegal betting apps. This case is expected to set a significant precedent regarding the responsibilities of celebrities and influencers in endorsing digital products and services.
As investigations continue, law enforcement officials have warned the public to remain cautious of betting platforms that promise unrealistic financial returns. This case underscores the growing accountability of public figures and influencers in digital marketing and their potential legal repercussions for promoting unauthorized services.
