Vishnu Priya Reports to Police Over Betting Apps Allegations
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Synopsis
Vishnu Priya, a prominent social media influencer, recently reported to the Punjagutta Police in Hyderabad regarding allegations tied to promoting betting applications. The case, initiated due to a complaint about illegal gambling activities, involves several influencers and may lead to investigations for money laundering.
Key Takeaways
- Vishnu Priya attended police questioning regarding betting app promotions.
- Multiple influencers are implicated in promoting illegal gambling.
- The Enforcement Directorate may investigate potential money laundering.
- Many youths in Telangana are suffering from financial losses due to online betting.
- Police are scrutinizing social media posts of the influencers involved.
Hyderabad, March 20 (NationPress) Social media influencer Vishnu Priya visited the Punjagutta Police Station in Telangana on Thursday regarding a case linked to the promotion of betting apps.
Accompanied by her legal counsel, she arrived at the police station, where a case has been filed against her and multiple other social media figures for allegedly endorsing betting applications and promoting illegal activities.
The police have issued notifications to the YouTubers and social media influencers, instructing them to meet with the investigating officer and participate in the inquiry.
Some individuals have requested additional time to appear, while others have publicly declared through their social media channels that they will cease promoting betting apps.
Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate is expected to initiate an investigation based on the case registered by the Hyderabad Police.
The central agency is investigating potential money laundering activities related to this case.
The case was registered on March 17 following a complaint from Vinay Vangala (40), a private sector employee, who expressed concerns over mobile applications and websites that promote gambling in violation of the Public Gambling Act of 1867.
An FIR has been filed against Imran Khan, Harsha Sai, Tasty Teja, Kiran Goud, Vishnu Priya, Shyamala, Rithu Chowdhary, Bandaru Sheshayani Supritha, Ajay, Sunny, and Sudheer, all of whom include television hosts and social media personalities.
They are charged under sections 318 (4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and sections 3, 3 (A), and 4 of the Telangana Gaming Act along with section 66D of the Information Technology Act 2008.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Zone) SM Vijay Kumar stated that they are reviewing the social media accounts to analyze the content posted by these individuals.
The DCP acknowledged that many young people in Telangana have faced significant financial losses due to online betting, with some tragically taking their own lives due to these losses.
On March 16, the Cyberabad Police also charged YouTuber Harsha Sai for endorsing betting apps.
Previously, YouTuber Local Boy Nani from Visakhapatnam and Bayya Sunny Yadav from Hyderabad were also charged for similar promotions.
The police initiated this action following a campaign against betting apps launched by V. C. Sajjanar, the Managing Director of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC), on social media.
This Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, who previously served as the Cyberabad Police Commissioner, has been vocal about the financial harm caused to individuals following social media influencers who promote betting apps.
The IPS officer has urged the public to be cautious and avoid following social media influencers who promote online betting apps.
