Shyamala questioned by Punjagutta police over betting app case, admits promotional mistake
Hyderabad: YSRCP spokesperson and popular television anchor Shyamala appeared before the Punjagutta police on March 24, 2025, in connection with a case involving the promotion of betting apps.
She had previously filed a petition seeking the quashing of the FIR against her. The High Court, however, directed the police not to arrest her at this stage and advised her to cooperate with the investigation.
Shyamala was questioned by the police for three hours. Afterward, she spoke to the media, stating her full cooperation with the investigation. She acknowledged that promoting or participating in betting was wrong and noted that no action could undo the lives lost due to betting apps.
The YSRCP spokesperson confirmed her willingness to cooperate with the police and expressed her trust in the legal system. She admitted that endorsing betting apps was a mistake and explained that the losses caused to victims were irreparable. Shyamala assured the public that she would no longer be involved in promoting betting apps.
Meanwhile, politician KA Paul has called for the immediate arrest of celebrities who endorsed such platforms. He named actors including Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi among the 25 individuals allegedly involved. KA Paul warned that if the police fail to take action, he would approach the Supreme Court. He also urged celebrities to follow Prakash Raj’s example by apologizing and revealing the amounts they received for the promotions.
Actresses Vishnupriya and Ritu Chaudhary were also questioned in connection with the case. Vishnupriya appeared at the Punjagutta police station for questioning, accompanied by her lawyer, last week. She is being investigated about her involvement with the betting app promotion.
Earlier, the police had registered cases against 11 celebrities, social media influencers, and YouTubers for allegedly promoting betting apps. Some influencers have requested more time to appear for questioning, while others have announced they will no longer promote betting apps.
The investigation follows a complaint filed by Vinay Vangala, who claimed that the mobile apps and websites promoting gambling activities violated the Public Gambling Act of 1867. Based on the complaint, the police registered a case against individuals including Imran Khan Jetx, Vishnu Priya, Harsha Sai, Shyamala, Tasty Teja, Rithu Chowdhary, Bandaru Sheshayani Supritha, Kiran Goud, Ajay, Sunny Target, and Sudheer on March 17, 2025.
The police have charged these individuals under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Telangana Gaming Act, and the Information Technology Act, 2008.
Meanwhile, Cyberabad police had earlier booked YouTuber Harsha Sai Bandaram for promoting betting apps following a complaint from an individual who allegedly lost over Rs 13 lakh in betting after watching his videos. A case of cheating was filed against Harsha Sai under Section 318 (4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66-D of the Information Technology Act.