Synopsis
After Cyberabad police registered a FIR against actors Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, and Prakash Raj for allegedly promoting betting apps, they clarified their stance, asserting they only endorse legally recognized skill-based games and have no involvement with illegal applications.Key Takeaways
- Rana Daggubati and Vijay Deverakonda clarified they only promote legal skill-based games.
- Prakash Raj stated he stopped endorsing gaming apps after realizing it wasn’t right.
- All endorsements were compliant with laws recognized by the Supreme Court of India.
- Cyberabad police filed a FIR based on a complaint regarding illegal betting promotions.
- Actors urge youth to avoid gambling due to its harmful effects.
Hyderabad, March 21 (NationPress) Just hours after the Cyberabad police filed a FIR against them for supposedly endorsing betting applications, Tollywood stars Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, and Prakash Raj issued clarifications on Thursday, asserting that they are not involved in promoting any illegal applications.
Both Rana Daggubati and Vijay Deverakonda made it clear that they have only supported legally sanctioned online skill-based games, while Prakash Raj mentioned that he chose not to renew a contract for an app in 2017 after realizing it wasn't the right decision.
Rana and Vijay provided their responses via separate statements from their media teams, while Prakash Raj shared a video on his ‘X’ account to clarify his position.
As per a statement on behalf of Rana Daggubati, he entered into a contract with a company to serve as a brand ambassador for skill-based games, which concluded in 2017.
“His endorsement was strictly limited to areas where online skill-based games were authorized. Rana Daggubati’s legal team meticulously reviews all partnerships before any agreements are finalized. Following a detailed legal assessment, he agreed to endorse the platform, ensuring complete adherence to the law,” the statement elaborated.
It further emphasized that Rana Daggubati’s endorsement of a legal skill-based gaming platform adhered entirely to legal standards. “It is critical to highlight that these online games have been acknowledged by the Supreme Court of India as separate from gambling. The Court has determined that these games are based on skill, not chance, and are therefore legally permitted,” it added.
Earlier, Vijay Deverakonda’s team also provided a clarification.
The actor had officially entered into a contract with a firm solely for the limited purpose of acting as a brand ambassador for skill-based games.
“His endorsement was strictly confined to regions where online skill-based games are legally allowed. It is important to clarify that skill-based games, including online games like rummy, have been consistently recognized by the Supreme Court of India as separate from gambling. The court has maintained that such games involve skill rather than luck, thus making them legally permissible,” the statement conveyed.
“Mr. Vijay Deverakonda’s legal team and agencies thoroughly scrutinize all associations before entering into any contracts. After an extensive legal review, he agreed to endorse the skill-based gaming platform A23, ensuring that his association conformed to legal standards. However, his endorsement period concluded in 2023, and he is currently not associated with the brand. This press release aims to clear any misconceptions/misinformation and to highlight that Mr. Vijay Deverakonda’s former endorsement of a legally recognized skill-based gaming company was entirely lawful.”
Prakash Raj, in his video statement, mentioned that in June 2016 he did an advertisement for a gaming application. “But within a few months, I realized it may be legal, but it was not right. I couldn't have done anything as I had already done it. I let it go. It was a year-long contract, and when they sought to renew it, I declined. My conscience does not accept this, and I do not wish to continue. This occurred 8-9 years ago. Since then, I have not undertaken any ads that promote online gambling,” he stated.
The actor mentioned that in 2021, when the company, which might have been sold to another entity, posted snippets on social media, he issued them a notice indicating they could not unlawfully use them. He urged young individuals not to fall prey to gambling, as it destroys lives.
Prakash Raj noted that he has not received any notice from the police and that if he does, he will respond accordingly.
Previously, the Cyberabad police filed a case against Rana Daggubati, Vijaya Deverakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, and others.
A case against six actors and 19 social media influencers has been logged at the Miyapur Police Station of the Cyberabad Commissionerate.
The First Information Report (FIR) has been filed under sections 318 (4), 112 r/w 49 of the Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 3, 3 (A), and 4 of the Telangana Gaming Act, and 66D of the Information Technology Act 2008.
The police registered a case following a complaint from one Phanidra Sharma, a resident of Miyapur, who claimed that several celebrities and social media influencers were actively endorsing illegal betting apps, websites, and other platforms. The complainant stated that promoting betting applications was detrimental to individuals and society by fostering this addictive, high-risk money-making behavior, leading to financial hardships.
