11 YouTubers, influencers booked for promoting betting apps in Indian city
Just a day after Hyderabad police registered a case against 11 social media influencers for promoting online betting apps, authorities have intensified their investigation into the financial transactions of the accused. West Zone Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) SM Vijay Kumar confirmed that the probe includes a detailed analysis of bank statements and social media activity.
Among the accused is police constable Kiran Goud, who is currently serving at Habeebnagar Police Station. “We will examine his role in the case and investigate all involved,” the DCP said. He added that betting platforms operate outside app stores, with links being shared privately through WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and other messaging apps.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has also initiated an inquiry. As per sources, the probe agency has sought FIR copies and other related documents, looking into potential money laundering violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Officials suspect that funds from betting apps may have been moved through illicit channels.
The accused influencers include well-known YouTubers, TV anchors, and celebrities: Imran Khan, Harsha Sai, Tasty Teja, Vishnu Priya, Shyamala, Rithu Chowdhary, Bandaru Sheshayani Supritha, Kiran Goud, Ajay, Sunny, and Sudheer. They have been booked under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Sections 3, 3(A), and 4 of the Telangana Gaming Act, and Section 66D of the Information Technology Act.
జీవితాలను కబళించే ఆన్లైన్ గేమ్స్ జోలికి వెళ్లకండి. ఆకర్షణీయమైన వెల్కమ్ ఆఫర్లు, ఫ్రీ రివార్డ్స్ పేరిట వలవేసి సర్వం దోచేస్తారు. రమ్మీ సర్కిల్, ఆన్లైన్ కార్డ్ గేమ్స్ వంటి యాప్స్ను డౌన్లోడ్ చేయకండి. జీవితాన్ని ఆన్లైన్ గేమ్స్కు తాకట్టు పెట్టకండి.#TelanganaPolice pic.twitter.com/dANh79BhPO
— Telangana Police (@TelanganaCOPs) March 19, 2025
DCP Vijay Kumar condemned online betting, stating, “Betting is a form of cheating—taking money from others unfairly. Do not promote or use betting apps.” He also addressed influencers who posted apology videos, saying that while acknowledging their mistakes is welcome, they must still face legal consequences.
Following a complaint from Vinay Vangala, a 40-year-old private employee from Matrushrinagar, the local police in Hyderabad took action. Vangala raised concerns about mobile apps and websites promoting gambling, which he claims violate the Public Gambling Act of 1867, and also how betting apps aggressively target young adults, leading to financial losses and social distress.
Earlier, on 16 March, YouTuber Harsha Sai was arrested by Cyberabad Police after someone reported losing more than ₹13 lakh as a result of betting that was encouraged by his promos. Bayya Sunny Yadav from Hyderabad and “Local Boy Nani” from Visakhapatnam were among the other YouTubers who were also previously booked for similar activities.
It starts as a game, but ends with sleepless nights, lost savings, and shattered lives. Don’t gamble with your future. #SayNoToBettingApps — for yourself and for those who love you.@Cyberdost @PMOIndia @AmitShah
— V.C. Sajjanar, IPS (@SajjanarVC) March 18, 2025
The crackdown follows a campaign launched by Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) Managing Director V.C. Sajjanar, who has been warning about the dangers of online betting. “It starts as a game but ends with sleepless nights, lost savings, and shattered lives,” he wrote in a recent post on X.
Gambling regulation in India
Currently, online gaming is regulated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, 2021, framed under the Information Technology Act, 2000. These rules impose obligations on intermediaries, including online gaming platforms. If they fail to observe due diligence, they lose their exemption from liability for third-party content.
As per the sources, India is considering a new central law to ensure that all, including celebrities, who endorse such online activities are brought under a legal framework. Since betting and lotteries are primarily luck-based and require no skill, the Indian government is considering stricter regulations.
The referred law is under consideration due to concerns that online betting and gambling platforms manipulate results, causing financial losses for users. Officials also suspect that the money generated through these activities is laundered and transferred in small amounts via payment gateways.
