FIR filed against Rana Daggubati and 24 others for promoting betting apps at Miyapur PS
Hyderabad: The Miyapur police in Cyberabad have registered a case against 25 individuals, including well-known actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Devarakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, and Nidhi Agarwal, for allegedly promoting online betting applications.
The case was registered following a petition filed on March 19, 2025, by Phanindra Sarma, a resident of Miyapur. Phanindra Sarma reported that while discussing the issue of online betting with his community, he discovered that many people in his locality had invested money into illegal betting, gambling, and casino apps promoted by celebrities and influencers on social media. Phanindra Sarma claimed that he too was tempted to invest in such apps but refrained due to his family’s caution.
Phanindra Sarma further stated that through social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Facebook, he observed several celebrities actively endorsing illegal betting and gambling websites, which encourage users to invest large sums of money. The petition accused the promoters of accepting substantial sums of money as commissions for these endorsements. According to Phanindra Sarma, these apps violate the Public Gambling Act of 1867, leading people, especially those in financial distress, into addiction and eventual financial ruin.
The FIR listed the celebrities involved, including Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj, who were reportedly promoting Jungleerummy.com, Vijay Devarakonda endorsing A23, Manchu Lakshmi promoting Yolo247.com, and Nidhi Agarwal linked with JeetWin. Other celebrities named in the FIR include Praneetha, who promoted Fairplay.live, Ananya Nagella with Vlbook.co, Siri Hanumanthu endorsing Taj77, Sreemukhi linked to Vvbbok.co, and Varshini Sounderajan promoting Dhanibook365.
Also named were Vasanthi Krishnan, who endorsed Mama247.co, Shoba Shetty with Telugu365.in, Amrutha Chowdhary promoting Yes365, Nayani Pavani with Vvbook.co, Neha Pathan linked to Vlbook.co, Pandu endorsing Okwin, and Padhmavathi with Jai365.com. Other celebrities named include Imran Khan, who promoted Jet X and Pari Match, Vishnu Priya with Taj777book.com, Harsha Sai linked to Pari Match, and Bayya Sunny Yadav, who promoted multiple apps.
The FIR also mentioned Shyamala, who endorsed Andhra365 and its associated website, and Tastyteja, who promoted multiple apps through both pop-up ads and promotional videos. Rithu Chowdhary, who also endorsed multiple apps, and Bandaru Sheshayani Supritha, linked with several apps, were also named in the case.
The FIR highlighted that the promoted apps are part of a much larger network targeting young adults and the general public with promises of easy money, ultimately leading to significant financial losses.
The police have registered a case under various sections of the TS Gaming Act, the IT Act, and other related provisions. An investigation has been assigned to G. Ramesh Naidu.
The petitioner has called for action against both the app managements and the celebrities involved in promoting these illegal platforms, which are reportedly causing widespread financial distress, particularly among middle-class and lower-middle-class families.
Case Filed Against 25 Celebrities, Including Rana Daggubati & Vijay Devarakonda, for Promoting Betting Apps
Hyderabad – The Miyapur police in Cyberabad have registered a case against 25 individuals, including prominent actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Devarakonda,… pic.twitter.com/WFENN6yRtE
— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) March 20, 2025
