Thu Mar 20 08:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Telugu Film Stars Face Police Case for Promoting Illegal Betting Apps
**Hyderabad, India** – Twenty-five prominent Telugu film actors and influencers, including Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi, are facing a police complaint in Telangana for allegedly endorsing illegal online betting platforms. The First Information Report (FIR) was filed following a complaint by businessman Phanindra Sarma, who alleges the celebrities accepted hefty sums to promote apps and websites that have caused significant financial distress to numerous individuals, particularly from middle and lower-middle-class backgrounds.
The FIR claims these platforms use social media advertisements featuring the celebrities to lure users, resulting in the loss of “thousands of lakhs of rupees.” Sarma stated he himself narrowly avoided investing in one such platform after a family warning. The complaint accuses the celebrities of actively promoting these apps, leading to addiction and financial ruin for vulnerable individuals.
The charges against the celebrities include cheating, under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, and relevant state laws.
Actor Prakash Raj responded to the allegations, stating his involvement in a similar advertisement dated back to 2015 and that he had withdrawn after a year. He indicated he is seeking further details about the current case.
This case is likely to generate significant controversy, particularly given its proximity to the December arrest of actor Allu Arjun following a fatal incident at the premiere of *Pushpa 2: The Rule*. That arrest sparked widespread debate, highlighting the ongoing tension between the film industry and law enforcement in Telangana. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy previously addressed the issue, stating the government supports the film fraternity but will not compromise on law and order.
First Piper 