Fri Mar 21 00:10:00 UTC 2025: ## 25 Telugu Celebrities Facing Charges for Promoting Online Betting Apps
**Hyderabad, Telangana –** A case has been filed against 25 Telugu film and television celebrities for allegedly promoting online betting, gambling, and casino applications. The complaint, filed by Phanindra Sharma of Miyapur, alleges that the celebrities, including prominent actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and Manchu Lakshmi, received substantial sums of money to endorse these apps. Sharma claims that this resulted in significant financial losses for young people who, inspired by their idols, invested in these apps. He further stated in his complaint that some individuals even attempted suicide due to financial hardships caused by online betting. Sharma himself claims he was tempted to gamble before family intervention prevented him from doing so.
The FIR, filed at the Miyapur police station, cites sections 318(4), 112 read with 49 of the Indian Penal Code, sections 3, 3(a), and 4 of the Telangana State Gaming Act, and section 66(d) of the IT Act.
Among those named in the FIR are Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha, Ananya Nagalla, and several other actors, television personalities, and social media influencers. YCP spokesperson Syamala was also named in the complaint.
Vijay Deverakonda’s team released a statement clarifying that he only promoted online skill-based games within legally permitted regions and always ensures the legality of any company he endorses before agreeing to any promotions. Rana Daggubati’s team issued a similar statement, emphasizing that his endorsements were limited to legally compliant skill-based gaming platforms, and that his legal team thoroughly reviews all partnerships before acceptance.
Anchor persons Vishnu Priya and Reethu Chowdary were questioned by Panjagutta police as part of the investigation, and their mobile phones were seized. They were issued 41 CrPC notices to appear again on March 25th.
The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce has responded, stating that everyone, including film personalities, must adhere to the law and that they will write a letter to the “MAA” (Movie Artists Association) urging action against those promoting such harmful applications.
Meanwhile, social media criticism has targeted surrogate advertisements for the betting website “1xBet” appearing on Hyderabad Metro Rail. While these ads were previously criticized in 2023, Metro authorities now say they will remove them in response to the increased police scrutiny on betting apps.
Actor Prakash Raj also addressed his past promotion of a betting app in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter). He stated that he promoted the app unknowingly in 2016 and stopped after realizing its harmful nature. He further explained that he had terminated his contract with the company in 2017 and issued notices when the old advertisement resurfaced. He urged young people not to gamble. The investigation is ongoing.
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