Actor Prakash Raj appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday (July 30) after a notice was served to him in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged promotion of illegal betting apps.
A video has surfaced on social media in which he is seen outside the ED office in Hyderabad's Basheerbagh.
Reportedly, the actor had previously featured in an advertisement for the betting app 'Jungle Rummy' and was booked by the Cyberabad police for promoting betting.
Following the FIR, the ED launched a parallel investigation into the case. Allegations suggest that promotional campaigns by film personalities drew many individuals to these betting platforms, leading to financial losses for some and, tragically, even reports of suicides.
Besides Prakash Raj, the investigating agency had also sent a summon to actor Rana Daggubati. He was asked to appear on July 23, however, he reportedly sought permission to postpone his visit.
The ED has sent notices to 36 film personalities, influencers and YouTubers so far, including Lakshmi Manchu, who has been asked to appear for the investigation on August 13.
The other names on the list are Nidhhi Agerwal, Ananya Nagalla, Pranitha Subhash, anchors Sreemukhi and Shyamala, YouTuber Harsha Sai, Bayya Sunny Yadav, and "Local Boy" Nani, among others.
What is the illegal betting app case?
According to media reports, the investigation began after businessman Phanindra Sharma filed a complaint claiming that these celebs were promoting such betting apps, encouraging young and innocent people to invest their hard-earned money into the scam, and leaving them in financial distress later.
A FIR was then registered against the celebs on March 19 this year by the Cyberabad Police.
The ED has now taken over the investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and has launched an investigation into the remuneration that the celebs named in the FIR. Cops have reportedly stated that the apps involve transactions worth thousands of crores, which they have accumulated by luring the youth into the betting trap, promising them easy and hefty returns.
