Big Breaking: From Vijay Deverakonda to Rana Daggubati - 29 Celebrities Under ED Radar
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a money laundering investigation involving 29 well-known Indian celebrities in connection with a betting app scam. The accused are alleged to have promoted or endorsed an illegal betting platform, which is now under the scanner for laundering large sums of money.
Based on an FIR filed by the Cyberabad Police in Hyderabad, the ED has initiated action against film stars and public figures who were either financially associated or publicly linked with the app. Those reportedly involved include Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi, Prakash Raj, Nidhhi Agerwal, Ananya Nagalla, and TV host Sreemukhi.
The ED is expected to summon the celebrities for questioning, examine their bank transactions, and probe their roles in the promotion of the now-banned application. Investigators suspect the scam involves high-value financial transactions disguised through brand endorsements and digital promotions.
Notably, actor Prakash Raj admitted to having worked in an ad campaign for a betting platform back in 2015, but claimed he withdrew from the deal within a year. Similarly, Rana Daggubati’s team issued a statement clarifying that all endorsements signed by the actor were in full compliance with the law, and that he had no ties to any illegal activity.
The case has stirred discussions in the entertainment industry, as questions arise about celebrity responsibility and due diligence in brand associations, especially with digital platforms operating in legal grey zones. The ED’s probe is ongoing, and further summons or charges could follow based on the investigation’s findings.