The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a sweeping investigation into 29 celebrities from the Telugu states—including popular film actors, TV personalities, and social media influencers—for allegedly endorsing illegal online betting apps. The probe, initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), follows five FIRs registered in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh at police stations in Panjagutta, Miyapur, Cyberabad, Suryapet, and Visakhapatnam.
Among those named are prominent actors such as Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, Manchu Lakshmi, and Ananya Nagella. The list also includes TV hosts and influencers like Sreemukhi, Shyamala, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, Shoba Shetty, Amrutha Chowdary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Pandu, Padhmavathi, Harsha Sai, and Bayya Sunny Yadav.
The ED alleges these celebrities promoted platforms such as Junglee Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Parimatch, and Lotus365, suspected of violating the Public Gambling Act, 1867. The endorsements reportedly encouraged the public—particularly vulnerable users—to gamble, leading to financial strain and, in some instances, severe consequences.
Many celebrities have defended themselves, saying they were unaware of the illegal status of these apps or believed they were endorsing skill-based games permitted by law. Notably, Prakash Raj clarified that he stopped promoting such apps once he understood the risks involved.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the ED set to record statements and review financial transactions linked to these promotions. The case highlights rising concern over how celebrity endorsements can shape public behaviour—especially in high-risk sectors like online betting.