Vijay Deverakonda questioned by ED in Hyderabad over app endorsement controversy

Vijay Deverakonda, enjoying his recent film's success, has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This is part of an investigation into endorsements related to illegal betting platforms. The actor went to the ED's office in Hyderabad on Wednesday morning. Officials are questioning him about his promotional contracts with betting apps and the payments involved.

Following Vijay Deverakonda's appearance, actor Prakash Raj had a five-hour session with the ED on July 30. Prakash Raj stated he did one ad for a gaming app in 2016 but refused payment. "I did not take any payment, as my conscience did not allow me to take it," he told officials during the session. "I did only one advertisement for a gaming app, but later realised that I should not have done it."

Last month, the investigation expanded as the ED filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR). This report named 29 celebrities, including actors, influencers, YouTubers, and TV personalities. The probe originates from five different FIRs filed in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The list also includes Rana Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, and Ananya Nagella. Additionally, social media influencers and TV personalities such as Sreemukhi, Shyamala, Varshini Sounderajan, Neha Pathan, and Harsha Sai are mentioned.

Rana Daggubati, initially summoned for July 23, asked for a different date and is now scheduled to appear before the ED on August 11. Manchu Lakshmi is set to be questioned on August 13.

Several celebrities, including Deverakonda and Daggubati, were already under investigation after being booked by Cyberabad Police in March. The allegations relate to endorsements of platforms that are said to violate the Public Gambling Act of 1867.

Some celebrities have asserted that their involvement was limited to skill-based gaming apps, which were believed to be legally permissible at the time. Rana and Vijay have maintained that their endorsements adhered to those guidelines.

Starting the investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the ED may summon more public figures to explain their roles in promoting these apps.