Actors Vijay Devarakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj and Manchu Lakshmi were called by the Enforcement Directorate. , Photo Credit: Hindu
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has called several film and television personalities regarding its investigation in alleged promotion of illegal online betting platforms. Ed sources confirmed that actor Rana Daggubati has been directed to appear on July 23, followed by Prakash Raj on 30 July, Vijay Devarkonda on August 6 and Manchu Lakshmi on 13 August.
The ED was issued summons after the ED filed an enforcement case information report (ECIR) to the ED under the prevention of the Money Laundering Act (PMLA) earlier this month, naming 29 persons, including actors, TV personality, youtubers and affected. The investigation follows five FIRs for suspected violations of Public Gambling Act, 1867 in Panjgoot, Miyapur, Siberbad, Suryet, and Visakhapatnam.
Ed suspects that celebrities promoted betting platforms such as Jungle Rummi, A23, Jeetwin, Parimach and Lotus 365, which allegedly crossed a large amount.
The list of people nominated in ECIR includes actors Pranta, Nipi Aggarwal, and television and media pacific such as Ananya Nagela, Siri Hanuman, Srimukhi, Varshini Sounderjan, Vasani Krishnan, Shoba Shetty among others.
The ED believes that some endorsements appeared as entertainment or charitable materials, but were actually targeted for irregular gambling. A complainant damaged more than 3 crores after responding to YouTube support.
Many of the people named in ECIR have denied any participation, claiming that they have ended their contracts after knowing about the legal ambiguities of the platforms. However, the ED is investigating whether these expeditions were part of a coordinated push to attract users to unauthorized betting sites. More summons is expected in the coming days as the investigation is on.
Published – July 21, 2025 06:13 pm IST
