Veteran South Indian film actor Prakash Raj appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on July 30, 2025. This appearance was in connection with a money laundering case related to the alleged illegal promotion of an online betting platform.
Prakash Raj Appears Before ED: Renowned South Indian film actor Prakash Raj is once again in the headlines, but this time not for films, but for his alleged involvement in promoting a betting app. He recently appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The case is related to the promotion of an online betting app in 2016, which includes the names of 29 other celebrities, including the actor.
What is the whole matter?
This case is related to an online gaming app called 'Junglee Rummy', which is allegedly linked to betting. In 2016, actor Prakash Raj promoted this app. However, Prakash Raj says that he realized the reality of this app in 2017, after which he distanced himself from it and did not promote any kind of gaming app.
The entire matter is being investigated based on a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Cyberabad Police. The FIR mentions that several actors and social media influencers indirectly promoted betting, which is illegal under Indian laws, by advertising these apps online.
Scope of ED's investigation
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating serious allegations of fraud and money laundering in this case. The main focus of the investigation is on celebrities who made financial transactions in exchange for promoting these apps. The ED is also investigating the digital payments, bank account transactions and contracts of these artists.
Apart from Prakash Raj, the names of celebrities like Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagalla and popular TV anchor Sreemukhi have also come to light. Rana Daggubati was summoned to appear on July 23, but he sought more time citing lack of time. Now he has been asked to appear on August 13.
Manchu Lakshmi has also been instructed to appear on the same day. Vijay Deverakonda is to appear at the ED office on August 6. This case has been registered under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the IT Act. If found guilty under these sections, there could be severe punishment and heavy fines. The ED suspects that there has been an attempt to legalize black money through these apps and many large transactions have been done without tax details.
