Veteran actor and political activist Prakash Raj appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad on July 30 in connection with a major investigation into an alleged online betting scam. The case has captured national attention, as it involves 29 prominent celebrities who were named in a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Cyberabad police. These public figures, including film stars and social media influencers, are accused of promoting illegal online betting platforms, which are banned under the Telangana Gaming Act. Prakash Raj, in particular, was reportedly associated with Junglee Rummy, a gaming application he endorsed in 2016. However, the actor has publicly clarified that he distanced himself from the app in 2017, once he understood its potentially misleading nature. Since then, he has maintained that he has had no involvement in any form of online gaming promotion.
The Enforcement Directorate is now closely examining the digital and financial footprints of all the celebrities involved, including Prakash Raj. The investigation is exploring whether these promotions contributed to financial fraud or public deception. Other notable names summoned by the ED include actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagalla, and television anchor Srimukhi. These individuals are being questioned about their role in promoting these platforms and whether they were aware of the legal implications involved. Rana Daggubati, who was originally asked to appear before the ED on July 23, has been granted an extension and is now expected to show up on August 13, citing prior film commitments. Manchu Lakshmi has also been asked to appear on the same date, while Vijay Deverakonda is scheduled to appear on August 6.
The ongoing probe is being carried out under several stringent laws, including Sections 318(4) and 112 read with Section 49 of the Bharat Nyay Sanhita, Section 4 of the Telangana State Gaming Act, and Section 66-D of the Information Technology (IT) Act. These sections deal with fraudulent activity, cyber deception, and the illegal promotion of gambling-related services. The inclusion of well-known celebrities in this case has sparked a nationwide discussion about accountability in influencer marketing, particularly in sectors as sensitive as online gambling. The authorities are under pressure to ensure that individuals with a massive following are not exploiting their platforms to endorse products or services that could harm the public, especially the youth.
This scandal has once again highlighted the blurry ethical lines in the advertising world, particularly when influencers or actors promote digital products without thorough due diligence. With the ED delving deeper into transaction records and promotional contracts, more details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks. Legal experts suggest that this case could potentially lead to new regulations surrounding digital endorsements and influencer accountability in India. While Prakash Raj and others await the outcome of the investigation, public interest in the case continues to grow, as it touches on broader issues of celebrity responsibility, digital ethics, and the influence of entertainment figures on consumer behavior.
