Hyderabad: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has opened a case against 29 film stars and influencers for allegedly endorsing illegal online betting websites.
Among those involved are actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and Prakash Raj. Social media personalities like Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, and Manchu Lakshmi are also under investigation, alongside influencers such as Harsha Sai and creators from the ‘Local Boi Nani’ channel.
The ED is examining whether these celebrities were paid significant sums to promote these betting apps. There are concerns about potential money laundering linked to the celebrities’ promotional activities.
Authorities have already filed a case following a businessman’s complaint. He claimed the celebrities advertised these betting platforms via social media and other channels. The case includes charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Telangana Gaming Act (2017), and the IT Act.
The ED’s list of individuals involved features well-known film and TV figures, along with digital influencers:
- Rana Daggubati
- Prakash Raj
- Vijay Deverakonda
- 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
- Bandaru Seshayani Supreetha
