In a major crackdown on illegal online betting networks, the Enforcement Directorate has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against 29 actors and social media influencers and personalities for allegedly endorsing gambling platforms in violation of the law. Among the 29 are actor Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash and Manchu Lakshmi.
The ED suspects the actors of having promoted betting platforms such as Junglee Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Parimatch, Lotus365 and others — allegedly in violation of the Public Gambling Act, 1867. It also suspects that large sums of money were routed through these campaigns, potentially amounting to money laundering.
The actors have denied any wrongdoing. They have said, they terminated the contracts after ethical concerns were raised.