In a major development shaking Tollywood, some of the biggest names in the Telugu film industry are facing legal action for allegedly endorsing illegal online betting apps.
Big Names Booked in FIR
Cyberabad Police have filed an FIR against top celebrities including:
- Rana Daggubati
- Vijay Deverakonda
- Prakash Raj
- Manchu Lakshmi
- Nidhhi Agerwal
- Pranitha Subhash
- Ananya Nagalla
These stars are accused of promoting online platforms that operate under the guise of gaming but allegedly function as illegal betting apps.
⚖️ What the Law Says
The FIR was registered at the Miyapur Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Telangana Gaming Act, which bans any form of online betting within the state.
Cyberabad Police also invoked Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, which deals with online deception and cheating.
Complaint from Concerned Citizen
The case was initiated based on a complaint from P.M. Phanindra Sarma, a resident of Miyapur. He accused the stars of luring innocent users, especially youth, into financial traps with false promises of quick earnings through these apps.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are now investigating:
- The financial links between celebrities and app promoters
- Whether crypto and hawala transactions were involved
- Violations of ASCI guidelines on advertising and endorsements
The case may expand if evidence of organized financial crime or cross-border money laundering is uncovered.
Impact on Tollywood and Influencer Marketing
This incident puts a spotlight on how celebrities and influencers must approach brand deals responsibly. Endorsing banned or unethical platforms can backfire, both legally and reputationally.
Final Thoughts
The crackdown shows that the era of unregulated promotions is ending. As brands, influencers, and celebrities scale their reach through social media, accountability is becoming non-negotiable.