Charges Filed Under These Sections
The central agency has filed an ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report) against 29 individuals, including actors, influencers, and YouTubers. The ECIR cites charges under Section 318(4), 112 r/w 49 of the Indian Penal Code, Section 3, 3(A), and 4 of the Telangana Gaming Act, and Section 66D of the IT Act 2000 and 2008.
Case Filed Against Several Famous Stars, Including Vijay Deverakonda
This investigation, launched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, is based on five separate FIRs filed in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The action targets prominent film actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rana Daggubati, along with other well-known celebrities such as Prakash Raj, Nidhhi Agerwal, Pranitha Subhash, Manchu Lakshmi, and Ananya Nagella.
Several TV and Social Media Stars Also Involved
Besides film stars, several television actors, hosts, and social media influencers are also implicated. This includes individuals like Sri Mukhi, Shyamala, Varshaini Soundarrajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, Shobha Shetty, Amrita Choudhary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Pandu, Padmavathi, Harsha Sai, and Bayya Sunny Yadav.
Suspicion of Money Laundering Through Promotion
Most of these individuals were initially charged by the Hyderabad and Cyberabad police. In March, a case was filed against six actors and 19 social media influencers at the Miyapur police station in Cyberabad. Subsequently, FIRs were registered against them at Panjagutta, Miyapur, Cyberabad, Suryapet, and Visakhapatnam police stations. The ED suspects large-scale money laundering through the promotion of platforms like Junglee Rummy, A23, WinZO, PariMatch, and Lotus365, among others.
Celebrities’ Statements
Cyberabad police booked these individuals in March for allegedly promoting betting apps. However, all celebrities clarified that they were not promoting any illegal apps. Vijay and Rana stated that they only promoted legal online skill-based games. Prakash Raj said he did not renew his contract to promote an app in 2017 after realising he shouldn’t have done so.
Who Filed the Initial Case?
The case was registered based on a complaint filed by Phanindra Sharma, a resident of Miyapur. In his FIR, Sharma accused these celebrities of promoting illegal betting apps, websites, and other platforms. The complainant also stated that such promotions harm individuals and society by encouraging addiction and the pursuit of quick riches.
