ED speeds up probe in online betting case; Rana, Vijay Deverakonda, and others summoned. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has stepped up its investigation into the online betting apps case. As part of this, several film celebrities from Telugu and other language industries have been issued summons.
Popular Tollywood actor Rana Daggubati is among those summoned. The ED sent notices to Rana, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi on July 21, asking them to appear for questioning on different dates. Rana was originally told to appear on July 23. Prakash Raj has been asked to appear on July 30, Vijay Deverakonda on August 6, and Manchu Lakshmi on August 13.
According to reports, the ED also requested the celebrities to bring their PAN cards and bank transaction details. The investigation is linked to money laundering allegations related to online betting promotions.
However, Rana Daggubati recently informed the ED via letter that he could not attend the July 23 session due to prior film shoots and engagements. In response, the ED sent him a new notice, asking him to appear on August 11 instead. This development has become a hot topic in Tollywood.
Meanwhile, the ED has again confirmed the scheduled dates for the other actors — Prakash Raj on July 30, Vijay Deverakonda on August 6, and Manchu Lakshmi on August 13.
The ED’s investigation is looking into illegal money transfers worth crores of rupees through betting apps. These apps were promoted by several influencers and film stars. The ED believes these promotions may be linked to money laundering.
Along with Rana and the others, many celebrities are under the scanner. These include Ananya Nagalla, anchor Shyamala, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Siri Hanumanth, Tasty Teja, Supreeta, Vishnu Priya, Ritu Chowdhary, Savitri, Vasanthi Krishnan, Neethu Agarwal, Amrutha Chowdhary, Padmavathi, and Sunny Yadav.
The ED is focusing on whether these celebrities knowingly promoted illegal apps and benefited financially. More summons may follow as the investigation continues.
