Why Did Actor Rana Daggubati Appear Before the ED in the Betting Apps Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rana Daggubati appeared before the Enforcement Directorate regarding illegal betting app promotions.
- He is the third celebrity, following Vijay Deverakonda and Prakash Raj, to be summoned.
- The investigation is based on violations of the Public Gambling Act.
- Other celebrities are also facing scrutiny for their endorsements.
- Legal implications could impact the future of celebrity endorsements in the gaming industry.
Hyderabad, Aug 11 (NationPress) - Tollywood actor Rana Daggubati appeared before the Enforcement Directorate on Monday regarding the investigation into the alleged endorsement of illegal betting applications.
The actor arrived at the ED's regional office in Basheerbagh around 10:30 a.m. He is the third actor to be summoned in this case, following Vijay Deverakonda and Prakash Raj.
Rana received a notice to appear on July 23 but was unable to comply due to a film shoot, leading him to request an alternative date from the ED.
Last month, the ED summoned several actors, including Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi, for questioning.
Prakash Raj attended on July 30, while Vijay Deverakonda was interrogated on August 6.
Manchu Lakshmi is scheduled to appear on August 13.
These four actors were part of a group of 29 celebrities who were reported to the ED on July 10 for allegedly promoting illegal betting platforms.
The agency has initiated an ECIR against these individuals for allegedly violating the Public Gambling Act of 1867.
The investigation, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, stems from five FIRs filed across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Post his questioning on August 6, Vijay Deverakonda stated that he was questioned regarding a gaming app he had endorsed, asserting that it is a legal entity recognized by the government.
He provided the ED with the necessary details, including accounts and financial transactions.
On July 30, Prakash Raj informed the ED that he had not received any payment for his endorsement of a betting app, asserting his moral stance against accepting remuneration.
He acknowledged having done one advertisement but later regretted his decision.
Earlier this year, Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and others faced legal action from the Cyberabad police for promoting betting applications.
Both Rana Daggubati and Vijay Deverakonda emphasized that they only endorsed legally sanctioned online skill-based games.