Hyderabad: In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Telugu film industry, 25 prominent celebrities, including Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and Vijay Deverakonda, have been booked for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps. This development comes on the heels of another high-profile incident involving Allu Arjun, which had sparked widespread controversy. The latest FIR highlights the significant financial risks and distress these betting apps have caused, particularly among middle-class families, who are often lured into these platforms with promises of easy money.
The FIR against the 25 celebrities was filed following a complaint by businessman Phanindra Sarma. The complaint alleges that these celebrities and influencers have been actively promoting illegal betting apps through social media advertisements. These platforms, despite being illegal, have managed to entice thousands of people, leading to substantial financial losses for many families.
The list of celebrities named in the FIR includes notable actors like Manchu Lakshmi, Praneetha, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagalla, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, Shoba Shetty, Amrutha Chowdary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Pandu, Padhmavathi, Imran Khan, Vishnu Priya, Harsha Sai, Sunny Yadav, Shyamala, Tasty Teja, and Bandaru Sheshayani Supritha. These individuals are accused of accepting substantial sums for promoting these apps.
The incident occurred in Telangana, where the FIR was recently filed. This region has seen heightened scrutiny over illegal betting activities, with law enforcement taking a firm stance against such promotions.
The case underscores the financial risks associated with betting apps, which have led many families into distress. The complainant noted that people are actively using these apps, often losing significant amounts of money. The platforms target those in dire need of money, encouraging them to invest their hard-earned savings, which can lead to total financial collapse.
The FIR includes charges under sections related to cheating and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and state laws. This legal action reflects the government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal betting activities.
This incident follows another recent controversy involving Allu Arjun, highlighting ongoing tensions between the film industry and law enforcement in Telangana. The state government has reiterated its stance on law and order, emphasizing that there will be no compromise, even for high-profile individuals.
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