Hyderabad: The Enforcement Directorate has intensified its probe into the promotion of illegal betting apps by issuing summons to several Tollywood actors and celebrities. Notices were served Monday to actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Lakshmi Manchu, directing them to appear for questioning over their alleged involvement.
According to the notices, Rana has been called on July 23, Prakash Raj on July 30, Vijay Deverakonda on August 6, and Lakshmi Manchu on August 13. Officials said more celebrities and YouTubers involved in promoting the apps are likely to be summoned in the coming days.
The crackdown follows a series of police complaints across Telangana linking betting apps to financial distress and suicides. In response, the state government constituted a Special Investigation Team to handle the probe comprehensively.
While the SIT continues its investigation, the ED has launched a parallel probe focusing on suspected money laundering and fund diversion related to the same apps.
