Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati Among 29 Celebrities Booked by ED in Betting App Scam Case
Enforcement Directorate Launches High-Profile ECIR
On July 10, 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against 29 public figures—including famed Telugu actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rana Daggubati, as well as veteran actor Prakash Raj—for allegedly endorsing illegal betting apps. The probe builds on earlier FIRs filed by the Cyberabad Police in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Allegations & Legal Basis
Authorities assert that these celebrities promoted betting platforms like A23, Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, Parimatch, and Lotus365, allegedly misleading financially vulnerable users into heavy losses. The ED suspects these promotions facilitated large-scale money laundering under the guise of paid endorsements.
The ECIR includes charges under:
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Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
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Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 318(4), 112 read with 49
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Telangana Gaming Act sections 3, 3A, 4
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IT Act, Section 66D (cheating through electronic means)
Who’s Named in the Case
Among the star-studded list are:
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Film actors: Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Nidhhi Agerwal, Pranitha Subhash, Manchu Lakshmi, Ananya Nagalla
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TV personalities & digital influencers: Sreemukhi, Harsha Sai, YouTube’s “Local Boi Nani”, Varshini Sounderajan, Bayya Sunny Yadav, Neha Pathan, and numerous others totalling 29 individuals named by ED.
Response from the Celebrities
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Vijay Deverakonda clarified that his endorsement of A23 was for a skill‑based gaming platform, justified by the Supreme Court’s legal recognition of rummy as skill‑based, and emphasized the campaign had legally ended in 2023.
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Rana Daggubati, through his legal team, stated that his endorsement ended in 2017, intended only for regions where such platforms legally operate, following due legal vetting.
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Prakash Raj acknowledged promoting Junglee Rummy in 2016, but said the contract was terminated within a year and did not align ethically with his values.
Why This Scam Case Matters
This crackdown marks one of India’s most significant celebrity-related digital-fraud probes, spotlighting:
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The role of influencer endorsements in misleading vulnerable users
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Alleged financial irregularities and money laundering via illegal betting platforms
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The ethical and legal implications for celebrities lending their clout to such promotions.
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What’s Next
The ED is now tracing payment trails, commissions, and financial flows tied to these endorsements. The investigation remains active, and further legal actions or summonses may follow as more evidence is unearthed.
Summary at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Celebrities Booked | Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, 26 others |
| Allegation | Promoting online betting apps tied to fraud, financial losses, money laundering |
| Legal Framework | PMLA, BNS, Telangana Gaming Act, IT Act (66D) |
| Celebrity Responses | Distanced from alleged scam; emphasized skill‑based gaming or past contracts |
| Current Status | ED is investigating financials and endorsements |
Looking Forward
The case has significant implications for the entertainment and digital influencer space. It raises questions about accountability in celebrity endorsements, especially when promoting gaming or betting platforms. The ED’s ongoing probe may set precedents for stricter legal scrutiny of influencer-driven campaigns in India.
