The Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued summons on 21 July 2025 to four leading actors of the Telugu film industry, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deorakonda and Laxmi Maanu for questioning in the money laundering case related to illegal online betting and gambling apps. The ED has asked Rana Daggubati to appear on July 23, Prakash Raj on 30 July, Vijay Devarkonda on 6 August and Laxmi Maanchu on 13 August in Hyderabad’s zonal office. The action took place after a case registered under the Money Laundering Prevention Act (PMLA), which is based on five FIRS of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Police.
The case began in March 2025 after a complaint with PM Phanindra Sharma, a businessman at Miyapur police station in Hyderabad, who alleged that 25 celebrities and influential people were promoting illegal betting apps like Jungle Rummi, A23, Jeetwin and Lotus 365. Sharma claimed that these campaigns attracted the youth, causing financial and psychological losses. In the FIR, Rana and Prakash Raj were connected to Jungle Rummi, Vijay Devarakonda with A23 and Lakshmi Manchu with Yola 247. The ED claims that these apps earned illegal income of lakhs of rupees through illegal betting.
Rana Daggubati’s team clarified in March 2025 that he had a contract ended in 2017 with a skill-based gaming platform, limited to only legally allowed areas. Prakash Raj said in a video on X that he had promoted a gaming app in 2016, but in 2017, considering it inappropriate, refused to renew the contract. Vijay Devarakonda also claimed that his promotion was limited to legal skill-based games only.
The ED had filed an Information Case Information Report (ECIR) against 29 celebrities, including Harsha Sai and ‘Local Boy Nani’, earlier this month, such as Harsha Sai and ‘Local Boy Nani’. Investigations are investigating financial transactions and digital operations related to these promotions, which were allegedly promoting gambling. The case is stirring the Telugu film industry, and the central government is considering bringing new guidelines on illegal betting apps.
