Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda And 22 More Telugu Actors Booked For Promoting Betting And Gambling Apps

The Telangana police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against 25 celebrities and social media influencers for allegedly promoting illegal betting and gambling applications through their online platforms. The FIR includes prominent figures such as Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Lakshmi Manchu. This action follows a petition submitted by 32-year-old businessman PM Phanindra Sarma and was filed at the Miyapur Police Station in Hyderabad on March 19.

Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda And Others Accused Of Promoting Betting Apps

The complaint highlights a concerning trend where these celebrities are accused of endorsing gambling apps that violate the Public Gambling Act of 1867. Phanindra claims that during discussions with local youths on March 16, he discovered that many had been influenced to invest their money in these gambling platforms, heavily advertised by popular social media personalities.

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According to the complaint, these celebrities are allegedly accepting substantial payments to promote various betting platforms, which encourage users to gamble their hard-earned money. Phanindra himself was dangerously close to investing in one of these apps but ultimately decided against it after receiving warnings from his family about the potential financial risks.

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Celebs Names Mentioned In The FIR

The police report mentions several individuals accused of endorsing illegal gambling apps, including Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, Lakshmi Manchu, Praneetha, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagella, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi, Varshini Sounderajan, and others. The petition stresses that these platforms are causing significant financial damage, particularly to lower and middle-class families who are attracted by the false promise of easy money.

About The FIR

These apps often leverage celebrity endorsements to build credibility, leading vulnerable individuals to commit substantial amounts of money, only to encounter severe financial losses. The Telangana police have invoked multiple sections of the Telangana Gaming Act and the IT Act, including Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, which addresses cheating and identity theft.

The FIR also cites provisions aimed at combating the promotion of illegal betting activities, with the investigation now being led by Officer G Ramesh Naidu. “This investigation underscores our commitment to protecting the public from harmful gambling and betting platforms that exploit individuals for financial gain,” stated K Kranthi Kumar, Inspector of Police at Miyapur Police Station.

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Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.