ED Files Case Against 29 Celebs Including Vijay Deverakonda & Rana Daggubati Over Betting App Scam
The Enforcement Directorate has launched a PMLA investigation against 29 celebrities—including Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and Prakash Raj—for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps like Junglee Rummy and JeetWin. Here’s what you need to know
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), targeting 29 celebrities—including top Tollywood actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj—alongside influencers and YouTubers.
These ECIRs follow at least five FIRs filed by Telangana and Andhra Pradesh police under the Telangana Gaming Act, BNS, and IT Act, alleging promotional links to illegal betting platforms.
Who’s Included?
Key names under investigation:
Vijay Deverakonda (allegedly linked to A23)
Rana Daggubati
Prakash Raj
Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, Ananya Nagalla
Influencers/YouTubers like Sreemukhi, Harsha Sai, Local Boy Nani, Shyamala, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, among others
Alleged Scale & Modus Operandi
Celebrities reportedly endorsed platforms like Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, Lotus365, and A23 in return for fees, drawing in large sums from middle-class users, encouraging quick-money promises.
The ED believes these endorsements facilitated money laundering operations, funneling ‘proceeds of crime’ through betting revenues.
Celebrities’ Responses
Vijay Deverakonda’s team stated his endorsement was limited to “legally permitted skill‑based games,” and there was no link to illegal apps.
Rana Daggubati’s team confirmed his association ended in 2017, confined to legally compliant zones.
Prakash Raj clarified his involvement ceased in 2017; any later usage of his content was unauthorized.
Investigation & Next Steps
The ED will record statements, scrutinize financial trails, and calculate total illicit gains generated via celebrity endorsements.
The probe is expected to widen, with additional FIRs and complainants being reviewed; allegations include promoter payments and possible complicity.Vijay Deverakonda ED case, Rana Daggubati betting app, Prakash Raj ED PMLA, celebrity betting endorsements, Junglee Rummy scam, illegal online gambling India, Enforcement Directorate ECIR 29 celebs
The ED’s case marks a significant crackdown on illegal online betting in India, holding high-profile figures accountable under money laundering laws. The next phases will unearth the depth of endorsements and financial transactions behind the alleged scam.
