Hyderabad Authorities Initiate Investigation Against Influencers for Promoting Betting Applications
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Hyderabad police have commenced an investigation against 11 social media influencers accused of promoting betting applications. With rising concerns over financial losses among the youth in Telangana, the authorities are taking serious measures against online betting promotions.
Key Takeaways
- Investigation initiated against 11 influencers.
- Social media accounts under scrutiny for evidence.
- High youth losses linked to online betting.
- Legal action based on sections of relevant laws.
- Campaign launched against betting apps by officials.
Hyderabad, March 18 (NationPress) The local police in Hyderabad have launched an investigation regarding a case filed against 11 social media influencers accused of endorsing betting applications.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police for the West Zone, S.M. Vijay Kumar, informed reporters on Tuesday that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against the influencers.
"We are reviewing their social media profiles to assess the content they have shared. Once we gather sufficient evidence, we will proceed with legal actions," he stated.
The police official emphasized that social media influencers should refrain from engaging in such illicit activities.
The DCP pointed out that numerous young individuals in Telangana have faced significant financial losses as a result of online betting. In some tragic instances, these losses have driven some youths to take their own lives.
The FIR filed at the Panjagutta Police Station lists Imran Khan, Harsha Sai, Tasty Teja, Kiran Goud, Vishnu Priya, Shyamala, Rithu Chowdhary, Bandaru Sheshayani Supritha, Ajay, Sunny, and Sudheer, who include television hosts and public figures.
They are charged under sections 318 (4) of the Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with sections 3, 3 (A), and 4 of the Telangana Gaming Act, and section 66D of the Information Technology Act 2008.
The DCP also mentioned that Imran Khan has been sharing inappropriate and vulgar content on his platforms under the moniker ‘Pareshan Boys’.
On March 16, the Cyberabad police had previously registered a case against YouTuber Harsha Sai for promoting betting applications.
This action was initiated following a complaint from an individual who reported losing over Rs 13 lakh due to influence from these promotions.
Prior to this, YouTuber ‘Local Boy Nani’ from Visakhapatnam and Bayya Sunny Yadav from Hyderabad had faced similar charges for promoting betting applications.
The crackdown followed a social media campaign initiated by V. C. Sajjanar, Managing Director of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC), aimed at curbing the influence of betting applications.
This Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, who has previously served as the Cyberabad Police Commissioner, has been vocal about the financial devastation faced by individuals who follow influencers promoting betting applications.
The IPS officer urged the public to turn away from social media influencers who advocate online betting applications.
"What begins as a game can lead to sleepless nights, depleted savings, and broken lives. Do not gamble with your future. Reject betting applications for your own sake and for the well-being of those who care for you," reads Sajjanar’s recent post on X.
