The Telangana police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against 25 celebrities and influencers, accusing them of endorsing illegal betting and gambling applications through their social media platforms. Among the well-known personalities named in the complaint are actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Lakshmi Manchu.
The FIR was lodged at Miyapur Police Station following a complaint by 32-year-old businessman PM Phanindra Sarma on March 19, 2025. According to Phanindra, he became aware of the issue after a discussion with young individuals in his community on March 16, where he discovered many had been persuaded to invest in these gambling apps due to heavy promotion by celebrities.
Phanindra alleges that these high-profile figures have been receiving substantial payments to advertise betting platforms that violate the Public Gambling Act of 1867. He claims that he too nearly invested in one of these applications but refrained after his family cautioned him about the risks involved.
The complaint highlights how the promotion of such gambling platforms is leading to severe financial distress, particularly among lower and middle-class families. Many individuals are being misled into believing these platforms offer easy money, only to suffer financial losses instead.
The FIR lists a number of celebrities, including Praneetha, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagella, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi, and Varshini Sounderajan, among others, who are allegedly involved in the promotion of these platforms.
Authorities have charged the accused under multiple sections of the Telangana State Gaming Act and the Information Technology (IT) Act. This includes Section 66(D) of the IT Act, which pertains to cheating and identity theft. The case is currently being investigated by Officer G Ramesh Naidu, with the police determined to crack down on the promotion of such activities.
Inspector K Kranthi Kumar of Miyapur Police Station emphasized the importance of the investigation, stating, “Our priority is to protect the public from deceptive gambling platforms that exploit individuals for financial gain. Celebrities and influencers have a responsibility towards their followers, and endorsing illegal activities cannot be ignored.”
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are expected to take further action against those found guilty of promoting illegal betting apps. This case serves as a strong reminder of the ethical and legal implications that come with influencer endorsements in the digital age.
