Hyderabad: Actor Rana Daggubati appears before ED in betting app case, responding to summons in an ongoing investigation into illegal online betting promotions. He reached the Enforcement Directorate’s zonal office at Basheerbagh on Monday to record his statement.
The ED had recently served notices to several Telugu film personalities over their association with betting platforms. Rana was among those summoned after featuring in an advertisement for one such app. The Cyberabad police had earlier booked him and other prominent actors under charges of promoting betting, prompting the ED to open a parallel probe.
Officials questioned Rana about his financial dealings and banking records, seeking details of transactions linked to the betting promotion. Investigators are probing whether celebrity endorsements of betting platforms enticed users into heavy losses. Authorities say several victims, lured by such promotions, suffered severe financial distress, with some reportedly dying by suicide.
The ED has so far issued notices to 36 film industry figures. Rana was initially scheduled to appear on July 23 but requested a new date, leading to Monday’s session. Notices have also gone to actor Manchu Lakshmi, who is expected on August 13. Prakash Raj and Vijay Deverakonda have already met investigators and submitted statements.
The betting app investigation remains active, with the ED scrutinising money trails and sponsorship deals to establish possible violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
