‘Baahubali’ star Rana Daggubati, Arjun Reddy actor Vijay Deverakonda summoned as ED cracks down on illegal betting apps

The Enforcement Directorate--the country’s financial crime fighting agency--has summoned several individuals in a case related to illegal betting mobile apps. Among those served summons are Telugu actors Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, Lakshmi Manchu and Prakash Raj. The notices have been issued by the Hyderabad office of the agency, which registered a case against them in the matter recently. 

The actors have been accused of promoting such mobile apps on social media platforms. 

Dugappati has been summoned on July 23, Raj on July 30, Deverakonda on August 6, and Manchu on August 13. 

The four actors have appeared in a number of blockbusters such as 'Baahubali', 'Arjun Reddy', 'Lakshmi Bomb' and 'Utsavam'. Daggubati is widely known for his role in the 2015 blockbuster action film 'Baahubali: The Beginning', and Deverakonda for his 2016 Romantic comedy Pelli Choopulu. 

This month, the ED registered a report under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) naming 29 individuals, including several actors, and TV and internet personalities. 

The investigations follow at least five FIRs of suspected violations of the public gambling law. 

The agency accuses these individuals of indulging in the endorsement of online betting platforms allegedly involved in generating illicit funds.

Is betting and gambling illegal in India?

Betting and gambling are strictly prohibited in most parts of the country.

The central agencies have time and again issued advisories against the advertising, promotion and endorsement of such illegal activities. 

What is Public Gambling Act, 1867? 

Activities such as betting and gambling are prohibited under the Public Gambling Act, 1867, and are considered illegal in the majority of regions across the country. Yet, several online betting platforms and apps have been found to be facilitating and advertising betting or gambling directly and sometimes under the guise of gaming. 

According to a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) advisory issued last year, products or services prohibited under any prevailing law are categorically banned from advertisements regardless of medium. 

Authorities have warned celebrities and influencers time and gain that any engagement understood to be related to the promotion or advertisement of online gambling and betting will render them equally liable for participating in such illegal activities.