Prakash Raj summoned as ED targets celebrity influence in online gambling and financial fraud case

Actor Prakash Raj appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad on Wednesday in connection with a money laundering probe related to online betting platforms. The ED had summoned the actor for his alleged role in promoting these apps, which are under scrutiny for violating public gambling laws.

The case stems from an FIR filed earlier this year by Telangana Police against 25 celebrities and influencers, including Raj, for allegedly endorsing illegal betting and gambling apps via their social media channels.

According to officials, the FIR was lodged at Hyderabad’s Miyapur Police Station based on a complaint from 32-year-old businessman PM Phanindra Sarma. The complaint, filed in March, raises concerns over the growing influence of online betting apps, many of which are promoted by well-known public figures.

Sarma alleged that after speaking with young people in his neighbourhood, he discovered several had invested money in gambling apps heavily promoted by celebrities. These promotions, he claimed, led them to believe the platforms were legitimate. “In our discussion, I realised many youths had lost money after being misled by endorsements from influencers,” Sarma stated in his complaint. He also admitted he nearly invested himself, but was stopped by family members who warned him of the risks.

The complaint accuses the celebrities of receiving large payments in exchange for endorsements, which potentially violates provisions of the TS Gaming Act and the Information Technology Act, including Section 66(D) that deals with cheating by impersonation.

Names mentioned in the FIR include actors Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, and several television personalities like Sreemukhi and Siri Hanumanthu. The apps allegedly exploit celebrity reach to gain user trust, particularly among lower and middle-income groups.

Investigating officer G Ramesh Naidu has taken charge of the case. So far, no arrests have been made, and all those named are expected to be called in for questioning. Prakash Raj, who is known for his work in films like Wanted and Singham, has yet to release an official statement but is said to be cooperating with the investigation.