Rana Daggubati Grilled by ED in High-Stakes Betting App Probe

Telugu cinema star Rana Daggubati appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad today, as part of a high-profile investigation into a money laundering case tied to illegal online betting and gambling platforms. The Baahubali actor’s appearance follows summons issued to him and three other prominent actors—Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Lakshmi Manchu—last month, as the ED intensifies its probe into celebrity endorsements of betting apps.

The ED’s investigation, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), centers on allegations that these actors endorsed online betting platforms, such as Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, and Lotus365, which are accused of generating illicit funds worth crores through illegal gambling activities. The agency has taken cognizance of five state police FIRs, including one filed by the Cyberabad police in March 2025, following a complaint by businessman PM Phanindra Sarma.

The complaint accused 25 celebrities and influencers of promoting apps that violate the Public Gambling Act of 1867, leading to financial ruin for vulnerable individuals, particularly from lower and middle-class families.

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Rana, initially summoned on July 23 but granted a deferment due to film commitments, was questioned about his financial transactions and endorsement deals. Prakash Raj and Vijay Deverakonda have already faced the ED, with Raj stating he severed ties with Junglee Rummy in 2017 upon realizing its implications. Deverakonda, meanwhile, defended his endorsement, claiming gaming apps are legal and government-licensed.

The probe has sparked widespread debate, with some celebrities arguing they were unaware of the apps’ illegal operations. The ED is also scrutinizing 36 individuals, including influencers like Sreemukhi and Nidhi Agarwal, for their roles in promoting these platforms.

Social media sentiment on X reflects public outrage, with #BettingScandal trending as users demand accountability from celebrities profiting off endorsements that allegedly fueled addiction and financial distress.

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