Hyderabad: Actress, producer and television personality Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad on Wednesday, August 13, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the promotion of illegal betting applications.
The actress was seen being mobbed at the ED building premises by dozens of reporters. photographers and cameramen which apparently irked her. She was heard telling them "behave yourselves!" as she took the stairs to enter the office.
According to reports, the ED has issued summons to the actor, directing her to record her statement at its zonal office in Basheerbagh. The notice follows allegations that celebrities’ endorsement of betting apps lured thousands into online gambling, causing significant financial losses, with some alleged cases of suicide linked to the fallout.
Probe Against Other Celebrities As Well
The ED’s inquiry stems from an FIR registered by Cyberabad police, naming several actors, including Manchu Lakshmi, who had appeared in advertisements for betting platforms. The agency is probing potential violations under financial and cybercrime laws, running a parallel investigation to the police case.
Manchu Lakshmi is among 36 film industry figures to receive summons in this matter. Senior actors such as Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda and Rana Daggubati have already appeared before the ED to provide their statements. Officials said that the investigation is focused on tracing the financial flows from betting app promotions, the contractual arrangements with celebrities, and whether any proceeds were channelled through unlawful means.
Backlash Over Celebrity Endorsements
The controversy sparked outrage, with many arguing that the involvement of popular personalities in such promotions lent credibility to illegal betting, drawing in a large number of unsuspecting users. Authorities believe the influence of these endorsements amplified the reach of the apps, making it easier for them to bypass legal restrictions.
While the ED has not yet commented on the individual culpability of the actors summoned, reports suggest that statements gathered so far will help determine whether further legal action, including prosecution, is warranted.
