An FIR (First Information Report) has been filed against several prominent actors and influencers, including Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, and Prakash Raj, for allegedly promoting illegal online gambling platforms. The complaint was registered after businessman PM Phanindra Sarma raised concerns about the harmful consequences of such promotions. According to Sarma, these celebrities used their social media accounts to advertise illegal betting apps, putting the public, especially vulnerable individuals, at significant financial risk.
This case has sparked considerable attention, as it involves some of the biggest names in the Telugu film industry, as well as a number of social media influencers. The complaint highlights the rising threat posed by online gambling and the impact it has on individuals and families, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.
The Allegations: What the FIR Claims
On March 19, 2025, businessman PM Phanindra Sarma filed a formal complaint at the Miyapur Police Station in Hyderabad. The complaint asserts that Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, Prakash Raj, and other celebrities actively promoted illegal gambling platforms through their social media profiles. The complainant alleges that these platforms are in violation of the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which prohibits gambling activities in India.
According to Sarma, he conversed with several young men from his community who had fallen victim to these online betting platforms, investing money with little to no chance of recovery. Sarma also revealed that he himself had considered investing in one such platform but decided against it after his family warned him about the financial dangers involved.
Sarma's complaint further emphasizes the broader negative social impact of these gambling apps, noting that they have primarily targeted vulnerable sections of society, especially individuals from lower and middle-income families. He believes these platforms lure people into making risky financial investments, leading to severe personal and financial consequences.
List of Celebrities and Influencers Named in the FIR
The FIR, which was filed after Sarma's complaint, names several high-profile individuals from the Telugu film industry and the influencer community. In addition to Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, and Prakash Raj, the following celebrities have been mentioned in the complaint:
-
Manchu Lakshmi
-
Praneetha
-
Nidhi Agarwal
-
Ananya Nagalla
-
Siri Hanumanthu
-
Sreemukhi
-
Varshini Sounderajan
-
Vasanthi Krishnan
-
Shoba Shetty
-
Amrutha Chowdary
-
Nayani Pavani
-
Neha Pathan
-
Pandu
-
Padhmavathi
-
Imran Khan
-
Vishnu Priya
-
Harsha Sai
-
Sunny Yadav
-
Shyamala
-
Tasty Teja
-
Bandaru Sheshayani Supritha
These individuals, according to the complaint, have been allegedly paid significant sums to promote these gambling platforms on social media. The FIR claims that the advertisements for these illegal gambling apps, spread across various social media channels, have contributed to a surge in the number of people, particularly from financially vulnerable backgrounds, investing in them, leading to financial distress and even addiction.
The Legal Consequences: Sections Under Which the Actors Have Been Booked
The police have stated that the accused individuals have been booked under multiple sections of the law, including the Telangana State Gaming Act. This act regulates gambling activities and prohibits the promotion of illegal betting platforms. The celebrities and influencers are accused of conspiring to promote gambling under the guise of social media influencers, encouraging the public to engage with these platforms.
Additionally, the police have invoked sections of the Information Technology Act, notably Section 66(D), which deals with cheating and identity theft. This section targets those who use social media or other online platforms to defraud individuals by pretending to offer legitimate services while promoting illegal activities.
The investigation is currently ongoing, and in-charge officer G Ramesh Naidu is overseeing the case. The police have assured that they will take stringent action against those found guilty of exploiting the public through illegal gambling.
Impact of the Gambling App Promotions
The FIR highlights the devastating consequences of these gambling apps on individuals and their families. It suggests that the promotions have led people, especially from financially unstable backgrounds, to invest significant amounts of money into these platforms. Many individuals are said to have lost their hard-earned money, while others have faced severe financial distress as a result of their addiction to these apps.
The complaint claims that these platforms entice people who are desperate for money, urging them to invest their savings with the promise of high returns. However, once individuals get addicted to these platforms, they end up losing everything, leading to financial ruin for themselves and their families.
The Role of Celebrities and Influencers in Advertising Gambling Platforms
The issue at hand underscores the influence that celebrities and social media influencers have on their followers. These individuals hold significant sway over their audiences, many of whom trust their opinions and recommendations. By promoting products or platforms without fully understanding the potential legal and financial ramifications, celebrities can inadvertently lead their followers into risky ventures, as evidenced by the promotion of these illegal gambling platforms.
The Growing Concern Over Online Gambling and Its Regulation
The issue of illegal online gambling is not a new one, but it has gained significant attention in recent years due to the rise of digital platforms and the increasing number of online influencers. The growth of social media has allowed individuals to reach large audiences, and many have used their platforms to promote a variety of products and services, including online gambling sites.
However, the promotion of illegal gambling platforms is a dangerous trend. The accessibility and anonymity of online gambling have made it easier for people to fall into gambling addiction. This has raised concerns about the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the online gaming and betting industries.
The Telangana government has now taken action against the promotion of these illegal platforms, but many believe that more needs to be done to protect vulnerable individuals. This case highlights the need for increased awareness and regulation in the digital space, especially when it comes to promoting activities that can harm people financially and psychologically.
Reaction from the Accused Celebrities
In the wake of the FIR, some of the accused celebrities have responded publicly. Actor Prakash Raj addressed the allegations by stating that he had appeared in an advertisement for a gambling platform back in 2015 but had opted out of promoting it after a year. He further stated that he was working on gathering detailed information regarding the current case.
Similar Cases and Potential Repercussions
This incident is not the first time that prominent figures from the film industry have been involved in controversial legal matters. The case comes just a few months after the arrest of actor Allu Arjun. Allu Arjun was arrested in December 2024 after a tragic incident occurred during the premiere of the film Pushpa 2: The Rule in Hyderabad, where a woman lost her life in a stampede. The incident sparked a significant uproar, especially since the actor’s appearance was unscheduled, and no proper security arrangements had been made to handle the crowd.
The case against the Telugu celebrities for promoting gambling apps has stirred up a fresh controversy. Given the high-profile nature of the actors involved, this case is expected to garner significant media attention. Public figures, particularly from the film industry, are often under scrutiny for their involvement in commercial endorsements, and this case may further ignite debate on the ethical responsibilities of celebrities when promoting products and services.
Legal Action and Accountability
This case has drawn significant attention to the issue of online gambling and the role of celebrities in promoting harmful platforms. With the FIR filed and investigations underway, the legal implications for those involved could be severe, especially given the involvement of influential public figures.
The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for how online gambling promotions are regulated in the future, especially regarding the responsibility of celebrities and influencers. As the investigation progresses, it will be crucial to watch how the legal system addresses the growing concern over illegal gambling in India and the role of digital media in perpetuating it.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
