Tollywood Actors Face Legal Action for Betting App Promotion
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Synopsis
Cyberabad Police have taken legal action against six Tollywood actors, including Rana Daggubati and Vijaya Devarakonda, for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps. This case follows complaints regarding the harmful impact of such promotions on society and individuals, particularly the youth in Telangana.
Key Takeaways
- Legal action against six Tollywood actors for promoting betting apps.
- FIR filed under various sections of the BNS and Telangana Gaming Act.
- Concerns raised about the societal impact of betting app promotions.
- Police investigation initiated based on complaints from local residents.
- Previous cases against social media influencers for similar promotions.
Hyderabad, March 20 (NationPress) In a surprising development regarding the alleged endorsement of betting applications by celebrities, Cyberabad Police have initiated legal proceedings against Tollywood actors including Rana Daggubati, Vijaya Devarakonda, Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, and others.
A case has been filed against six actors and 19 social media influencers at the Miyapur Police Station under the Cyberabad Commissionerate.
The First Information Report (FIR) was lodged under sections 318 (4), 112 r/w 49 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 3, 3 (A) and 4 of the Telangana Gaming Act and 66D of the Information Technology Act 2008.
This action follows a complaint filed by Phanidra Sharma, a resident of Miyapur, who reported that numerous celebrities and social media influencers were actively advertising illegal betting applications, websites, and other platforms. The complainant indicated that the promotion of these betting apps is detrimental to both individuals and society, inciting this addictive and risky behavior that can lead to financial ruin.
Among the social media influencers named in the FIR are Ananya Nagella, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, Shoba Shetty, Amrutha Chowdary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Pandu, Padmavathi, Imran Khan, Vishnu Priya, Harsha Sai, Sayya Sunny Yadav, Shyamala, Tasty Teja, Rithu Chowdhary, and Bandaru Sheshayani Supritha.
While the Hyderabad and Cyberabad Police have previously taken action against social media influencers for promoting betting applications, this is the first instance of an FIR being filed against actors.
On Monday, Punjagutta Police of Hyderabad registered a case against 11 social media influencers following a complaint from Vinay Vangala (40), a private employee, who expressed concerns over mobile applications and websites endorsing gambling activities in violation of the Public Gambling Act of 1867.
As part of their investigation, the police have served notices to those named in the FIR, with some already appearing for questioning.
Social media influencer Vishnu Priya attended an inquiry session on Thursday.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Zone) SM Vijay Kumar acknowledged that many young individuals in Telangana have suffered significant financial losses due to online betting, which has led to tragic outcomes, including suicides.
On March 16, Cyberabad Police also filed charges against YouTuber Harsha Sai for promoting betting applications after a complaint was lodged by an individual who lost over Rs 13 lakh in betting.
Previously, YouTuber Local Boy Nani from Visakhapatnam and Bayya Sunny Yadav from Hyderabad had also been charged for endorsing betting applications.
