The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a case against 29 film personalities, YouTubers, and Instagram influencers in Telangana as part of an investigation into a major betting scandal.
South Celebs: The South Indian film industry is embroiled in a new controversy. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated an investigation against 29 film stars, social media influencers, and YouTubers in Telangana on charges of promoting illegal betting apps. The list includes well-known actors like Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Nidhhi Agerwal, Manchu Lakshmi, and several other prominent names.
How did the case begin?
The foundation of this case was laid by a complaint filed by Phanindra Sharma, a businessman from Miyapur. Sharma alleged that several prominent film stars and social media personalities from South India had promoted illegal betting apps, leading to financial losses for thousands of young people and middle-class families. The complaint stated that the stars promoting these apps were attracting people by portraying them as an "easy source of income."
Following this, the Cyberabad Police registered an FIR against 25 prominent personalities on March 19, 2025. The FIR included sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Telangana Gaming Act, and the Information Technology Act.
Now the case has reached the ED
Based on the FIR filed by the Cyberabad Police, the case has now reached the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED has registered it under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and has initiated a thorough investigation of the bank records, promotion fees, tax details, and other financial transactions of all those involved. According to sources, transactions worth thousands of crores of rupees have taken place through these apps, falling under the category of financial fraud and cybercrimes. Authorities say that the influence of the celebrities was deliberately used to lure young people.
Who are under investigation?
The ED is investigating prominent personalities including:
- Vijay Deverakonda
- Rana Daggubati
- Prakash Raj
- Nidhhi Agerwal
- Manchu Lakshmi
- Ananya Nagalla
- Pranitha Subhash
- Anchor Sreemukhi
- Shyamala
- Social media influencers like YouTubers Harsha Sai, Bayya Sunny Yadav, and Local Boy Nani.
Celebrities' Clarifications and Reactions
Regarding the entire matter, the concerned personalities have started giving their clarifications: Vijay Deverakonda's team has clarified that he only promoted the skill-based gaming platform called A23, the contract for which ended in 2023. Prakash Raj stated that he had promoted an app in 2016, but distanced himself immediately when he understood its nature.
Meanwhile, Rana Daggubati said that whatever promotions he did were in complete legal compliance. This action by the ED has caused a stir in Tollywood. This is a big blow to the industry as these stars are usually considered role models for the younger generation. In such a situation, many people were drawn into these apps by being inspired by their promotions.
