Actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Devarakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi are among 25 celebrities facing a police case in Telangana for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps. The case was registered after businessman Phanindra Sarma filed a complaint.

The FIR also includes several other celebrities and influencers, such as Praneetha, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagalla, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, Shoba Shetty, Amrutha Chowdary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Pandu, Padhmavathi, Imran Khan, Vishnu Priya, Harsha Sai, Sunny Yadav, Shyamala, Tasty Teja, and Bandaru Sheshayani Supritha.

The FIR states that these platforms use celebrities and influencers to promote their apps and websites through social media ads. It also highlights that "thousands of lakhs of rupees" are involved in these illegal platforms, pushing many families, especially those from middle-class and lower-middle-class backgrounds, into distress.

The complainant mentioned that people are actively using these apps and many have lost their hard-earned money. He himself almost deposited money on one such website but backed out after his family warned him. He also alleged that several celebrities and influencers are promoting these illegal betting apps after accepting large payments. The FIR further states that these platforms lure people, especially those in urgent need of money, into investing their savings, eventually leading to addiction and financial ruin.

The FIR, filed under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the IT Act, and state laws, signals strict legal action against celebrities promoting illegal betting apps. This case is likely to create a stir in the Telugu film industry, especially as it comes months after Allu Arjun’s controversial arrest. The actor was taken into custody in December following a tragic incident at the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule, where a woman lost her life due to an uncontrollable crowd.

 Authorities argued that his unscheduled appearance led to the chaos, sparking a heated debate within the film industry and political circles. His arrest drew widespread criticism, with opposition parties and key figures in the entertainment sector questioning the move. In response, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy assured filmmakers and actors of the government’s support but emphasized that law and order would not be compromised. With multiple top celebrities now facing legal scrutiny over endorsements, this case could reignite discussions on celebrity accountability, the legality of brand promotions, and the need for stricter regulations in the entertainment industry.

You might also be interested in -nBengal CM Mamata Banerjee receives jersey signed by Lionel Messi, calls him "artist with the ball"