Noose tightens around South actors and social media influencers as ED probes betting apps promoters

In the last few months, there has been a serious discourse over the usage and promotion of sports and betting apps in the Telugu states in the backdrop of a spate of suicides of youth who lost irrecoverable money. In the last few months, civil society members as well as those in the government have joined hands to create awareness on the harmful impact of these apps. Following this development, multiple cases have been registered in various police stations across the two states against the management of the apps and those promoting them. 

 

Now, as per news reports, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also taken a serious view of the operations of these apps, which may involve money laundering. It has allegedly named 29 celebrities, including actors and social media influencers, who had, in the past, promoted them. They include movie stars like Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, Prakash Raj, and actress Pranitha Subhash; TV actors like Sreemukhi and Shyamala; and social media influencers and YouTubers, Bayya Sunny Yadav and Harsha Sai. 

 

It has been learnt that they may receive a summons to face a probe on the payments made to them for promoting the apps. Some of these apps include Parimatch, Jeetwin, Junglee Rummy and others. After the recent uproar and a subsequent awareness campaign, a large number of celebrities distanced themselves from the apps and declared that they would not repeat the act. Some of them even went to the extent of issuing an apology. The Telangana police have already begun investigating the case and have also booked a few of the celebrities. 

 

On social media, a number of users have shared their stories of losing hard-earned money or taking on huge debts after getting addicted to the apps. Law enforcement agencies are concerned that even though the apps are being banned, new ones pop up with a different name. The officials are also keen to understand how the revenue is being generated by those running the apps. 

Entertainment