Vijay Devarakonda is one of the 29 persons called by the Enforcement Directorate. , Photo Credit: Nagra Gopal
Actor Vijay Devarakonda appeared as part of his ongoing investigation in the alleged promotion of unauthorized online betting platforms in front of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday. He reached the ED office in Bashirbagh.
The Sri Devarakonda agency is one of the 29 persons called by the agency under the provisions of prevention of the Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Sources in the ED said that their statements would be verified against the material available and presentations from others, which were first investigated in the case.
After completing his session with ED officials, Dawakonda addressed the media and said, “Ever since my name came, he (Ed) called me to clarify things. I supported a gaming app called A23. It is not related to betting apps in any way. The gaming app is completely legal, the government is recognized, the government is recognized and licensed as a business.”
Hyderabad: Actor Vijay Devarakonda on Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as part of the investigation of illegal online betting and gambling money laundering case by some platforms in Hyderabad. , Photo Credit: PTI
He further said, “A23 is similar to My11Circle and Dream11. These are all registered gaming apps that sponsor the Indian cricket team, Indian Olympic team, IPL, and various kabaddi leagues. A gaming app will not be required to sponsor the Olympic team.
The case is related to campaigner content that allegedly mashes irregular gambling apps as entertainment or charity-related initiatives. The ED believes that some celebrities and the affected were planted for the operations paid which indirectly supported the operation of betting, bypassing regulatory criteria.
Actor Prakash Raj was the first person to appear before ED on 30 July. Talking to the media after his interrogation, Mr. Prakash Raj claimed that the matter was dated back in 2016 and said that he had not accepted the money. He said, “The officials are doing their work, and as a citizen, I am going to cooperate,” he said, there was no political angle for summons.
While some celebrities with some summons have collaborated, others have sought time. Actor Rana Daggubati, originally on July 23, has asked for a renovation. Manchu Lakshmi is directed to appear on 13 August.
The investigation is based on several FIRs filed in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and includes many individuals, including actors, youtubers and social media personality. The ED is now trying to determine whether the promotion was isolated or part of a broad, coordinated operation.
Published – 06 August, 2025 12:01 pm IST