YouTuber Arrested in Hyderabad for Endorsing Betting Applications
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Synopsis
YouTuber Harsha Sai Bandaram has been arrested in Hyderabad for promoting betting apps, with allegations that his content led a follower to lose over ₹ 13 lakh. The case highlights ongoing issues with social media influencers endorsing gambling platforms.
Key Takeaways
- Harsha Sai Bandaram arrested for promoting betting apps.
- Victim lost ₹ 13 lakh due to influencer's content.
- Case filed under BNS and IT Act.
- Growing trend of influencers promoting gambling.
- Call to action for reporting harmful influencers.
Hyderabad, March 16 (NationPress) YouTuber Harsha Sai Bandaram has been arrested for endorsing betting applications, according to a statement from the Cyberabad Police on Sunday.
The Cyberabad Police initiated legal proceedings against the YouTuber following a complaint from an individual who reported a loss of over ₹ 13 lakh in betting influenced by Harsha Sai's content.
The complainant, who works as a helper in restaurants, mentioned that he began following Harsha Sai's Instagram account and subscribed to his YouTube channel in 2022.
A cheating case has been filed against Harsha Sai under section 318 (4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and 66-D of the Information Technology Act.
The victim alleged that Harsha Sai posted links on his Instagram, claiming that a deposit of ₹ 20,000 through these links would offer a 150 percent bonus. Trusting these assertions and anticipating profits, the victim deposited money via the Instagram links and engaged in an online game.
According to the victim, Harsha Sai also encouraged him to join a Telegram group named Harsha Sai Tips, where betting guidance was provided. The victim followed the advice, leading to significant monetary deposits. However, he ended up losing ₹ 13,67,300 over the span of a year.
He financed these transactions through savings, loans from friends, online borrowing applications, and even by selling gold assets.
This incident is the latest in a series of cases against social media influencers in the Telugu region for endorsing betting applications.
Previously, cases were filed against the YouTuber 'Local Boy Nani' from Visakhapatnam and Bayya Sunny Yadav of Hyderabad for similar endorsements.
These cases followed public posts by Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) Managing Director V. C. Sajjanar.
The Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, who previously served as the Cyberabad Police Commissioner, has been vocal about the financial losses suffered by individuals who follow social media influencers promoting betting applications.
The IPS officer urged the public to report social media influencers who promote online betting applications to the police.
"I am not merely targeting specific individuals - we are collectively confronting an entire ecosystem of social media influencers who thrive on advocating for betting applications. Whether they possess millions of followers or just a few thousand, anyone endorsing these harmful platforms is not only misleading people but is actively destroying lives," posted Sajjanar.
"The true threat extends beyond financial loss - it is the slow degradation of our nation’s future. While Indian talent is at the forefront of global corporations, countless young lives are being ensnared and derailed by their compatriots. These applications represent not just a personal risk; they are a societal and economic peril, taking advantage of vulnerabilities and fracturing families. Before it becomes too late, recognize the profound damage they inflict - not just on your finances, but on your future, your family’s well-being, and the very fabric of our society," he added.
