(image:facebook.com/RanaDaggubati)

Hyderabad: Actor Rana Daggubati appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at its office in Basheerbagh, Hyderabad, on Monday (August 11) in connection with an ongoing investigation concerning an illegal betting app case.

Although the probe agency had earlier sent him a summons on July 23, Daggubati sought more time and was therefore instructed to appear for questioning on August 11. The ED had questioned Vijay Deverakonda in connection with the same case on August 6.

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The complaint registered under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), claims that people were paid to promote unregulated gambling apps, making it seem like these apps were for entertainment or charity purposes.

Following a petition by 32-year-old businessman PM Phanindra Sarma,  a case under sections 318(4) and 112 read with 49 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), sections 3, 3(A), and 4 of the Telangana Gaming Act, and section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act was registered.

The FIR alleges that celebrities were paid to promote certain apps, and the complainant claims these apps misled people – particularly those who are financially vulnerable – into gambling, which caused addiction and severe monetary losses.

Also Read | These Kerala Influencers Were Caught Promoting Betting Apps: Why Is It So Alarming?

Aside Daggubati, probe agency has filed complaint against 25 celebrities, including Vijay Deverakonda, and Prakash Raj, for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps. Prakash Raj has already appeared before the ED. Actor Manchu Lakshmi is scheduled to appear on August 13.