Vijay Deverakonda: Was He Really Questioned About a Gaming App?

Hyderabad, Aug 6 (NationPress) Tollywood star Vijay Deverakonda faced a thorough inquiry from the Enforcement Directorate lasting four and a half hours regarding his alleged endorsement of illegal betting applications. However, the actor asserted that the questioning was specifically about a gaming application he had supported.

Upon exiting the central agency's regional office, he informed the press that the focus was on a legal gaming app, distinct from any betting app.

He emphasized that gaming applications are legitimate, officially recognized by the government, and operate under a licensed framework. “There’s a clear distinction between gaming apps and betting apps,” he explained.

Vijay Deverakonda ensured that he provided all the requested information to Enforcement Directorate officials, including specifics about accounts, companies, and financial dealings.

The officials inquired about the app he had promoted, to which he provided comprehensive details, claiming they left satisfied with his response.

When questioned about the unavailability of the A23 app in certain regions, he noted that legal applications may have geo-restrictions.

“If you attempt to access it in Telangana, you’ll receive a notification indicating it’s prohibited in that region. Some state authorities permit the app, and it only operates in areas where it is authorized,” he stated.

The actor remarked that it is the responsibility of governments and courts to determine legality.

Vijay Deverakonda was the second celebrity to be interrogated by the ED in this ongoing matter.

Previously, Prakash Raj was questioned on July 30 for five hours, where he stated he had not received any compensation for his promotional work.

The agency sought details regarding an advertisement he endorsed for a betting app in 2016, to which Prakash Raj disclosed he felt morally obliged not to accept payment for.

He reiterated he had only endorsed a gaming app and later recognized it was a mistake.

Recently, the ED summoned actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi regarding the investigation.

Rana Daggubati was scheduled to appear on July 23 but requested a reschedule, receiving a fresh notice for August 11.

Manchu Lakshmi is set to appear on August 13.

These four actors were among 29 celebrities implicated by the ED on July 10 for allegedly promoting illegal betting applications.

The agency has instituted an ECIR against these 29 individuals, which includes actors, influencers, and YouTubers, for purportedly endorsing illegal betting platforms in violation of the Public Gambling Act of 1867.

This investigation, initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, is based on five FIRs filed across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Prominent film personalities such as Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, Manchu Lakshmi, and Ananya Nagella are among those targeted by the ED.

Most of these individuals were previously charged by the Hyderabad and Cyberabad police with FIRs filed at various police stations.

Earlier this year, in March, Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and Prakash Raj were booked by Cyberabad police for allegedly endorsing betting applications.

Both Rana Daggubati and Vijay Deverakonda asserted they only endorsed legally sanctioned online skill-based games.