TV
Cyberabad Police have registered a case against Tollywood actors Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhhi Agerwal, and others for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps.
FIR Filed Against Celebrities and Influencers
A case has been filed at Miyapur Police Station under sections 318(4), 112 r/w 49 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 3, 3(A), and 4 of the Telangana Gaming Act, along with Section 66D of the IT Act, 2008. In total, six actors and 19 social media influencers have been named in the FIR.
The complaint was lodged by Phanidra Sharma, a Miyapur resident, who alleged that these celebrities were actively endorsing betting apps and websites, leading to financial distress and gambling addiction among users.
List of Social Media Influencers Named
Influencers named in the FIR include Ananya Nagella, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, Shoba Shetty, Amrutha Chowdary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, and others.
Ongoing Investigation and Police Action
This marks the first time that Tollywood actors have been booked in connection with online betting promotions. Previously, Hyderabad and Cyberabad Police had registered cases against influencers for similar violations.
As part of the investigation, police have issued notices to the accused, with some already appearing for questioning. Social media influencer Vishnu Priya appeared before the investigating officer on Thursday.
Growing Concern Over Online Betting
West Zone DCP SM Vijay Kumar highlighted that many youths in Telangana suffered heavy losses due to online betting, with some tragically ending their lives.
On March 16, Cyberabad Police also booked YouTuber Harsha Sai after a victim reported losing ₹13 lakh in betting. Other YouTubers, including 'Local Boy Nani' and Bayya Sunny Yadav, have also faced legal action for similar allegation
