Telangana police have registered an FIR against 25 celebrities, including top actors and influencers, over their alleged involvement in endorsing illegal betting platforms.
March 20, 2025: In a significant crackdown on illegal betting activities, Telangana police have registered an FIR against 25 celebrities, including actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Devarakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi for allegedly endorsing unlawful betting apps. The case was filed at Miyapur police station, Hyderabad, following a complaint from 32-year-old businessman Phanindra Sarma.
Social Media Influencers Also Under Scrutiny
Apart from film personalities, popular YouTubers and social media influencers like Vishnu Priya, Harsha Sai, and Imran have also been summoned for promoting gambling platforms through promotional videos and advertisements. Telangana police have issued notices, seeking their cooperation in the investigation.
How Police Plan to Crack Down on the Racket
According to DCP (West) S M Vijay Kumar, the police are conducting a detailed probe into the financial networks behind these betting apps. Authorities believe that the celebrities’ endorsements played a significant role in luring users into gambling platforms. The police plan to trace the organizers of these illegal betting rackets with the help of central investigative agencies.
Petitioner’s Allegations
Complainant Phanindra Sarma claims he became aware of the issue on March 16, 2025, after interacting with young individuals in his locality who had lost substantial amounts of money on betting apps promoted by popular figures. Sarma himself had considered investing in one such platform but withdrew after warnings from his family.
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Legal Charges Filed
The FIR has been registered under:
- Sections 318(4) and 112 read with 49 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Sections 3, 3(A), and 4 of the Telangana Gaming Act
- Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act
Authorities are now examining the financial involvement of these celebrities and influencers in the promotion of these platforms.
What’s Next?
With notices issued to the accused individuals, further legal proceedings will determine the extent of their involvement. The case has sparked a debate over celebrity responsibility in brand endorsements, especially concerning financial and gaming-related promotions.
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Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Devarakonda, Illegal Betting Apps, FIR, Telangana Police, Celebrity Endorsements, Online Gambling, Social Media Influencers, Cyber Crime, Bollywood News