Top Indian celebrities booked for promoting illegal betting apps
Indian police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against 25 celebrities and influencers, including well-known actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi. The complaint, filed by a businessman named PM Phanindra Sarma, accuses them of promoting illegal betting and gambling apps through their social media platforms. The FIR was lodged at the Miyapur Police Station of Telangana, the southern state of India, and the investigation is currently underway.
Allegations of promoting illegal gambling apps
The complaint, filed on 19 March 2025, states that these celebrities allegedly accepted large sums of money to endorse betting platforms. These promotions, according to Sarma, have influenced many young individuals to invest in gambling apps, often leading to significant financial losses. According to a news agency ANI, Sarma himself admitted that he considered investing in one such app but decided against it after being warned by his family.
Accused Indian celebrities and influencers
The police report lists several well-known personalities accused of promoting illegal gambling platforms. Apart from Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi, the FIR also names actresses Pranitha Subhash, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagella, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi, and Varshini Sounderajan. These celebrities, among others, are alleged to have used their social media influence to market betting apps, persuading users to participate in online gambling.
Legal charges and ongoing investigation
The Telangana Police have booked the accused under various sections of the Telangana Gaming Act and the Information Technology Act. Section 66(D) of the IT Act, which deals with cheating and identity theft, has also been invoked. The investigation is being handled by Officer G Ramesh Naidu.
“This investigation underscores our commitment to protecting the public from harmful gambling and betting platforms that exploit individuals for financial gain,” said K Kranthi Kumar, Inspector of Police, Police Stations Miyapur.
Impact on vulnerable users
The petition highlights the financial damage caused by these apps, particularly to middle-class and lower-income families. Many individuals, influenced by celebrity endorsements, have invested large amounts of money, only to suffer losses.
Sarma’s complaint mentions a conversation with young people in his community, where he learned that several had lost their savings due to gambling. He claims that celebrities are playing a key role in spreading these platforms and making them seem legitimate.
