Illegal betting apps case: ED serves fresh summons to Rana for August 11

Hyderabad: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a fresh summons to actor Rana Daggubati, asking him to appear on August 11 for questioning in connection with a money laundering case linked to illegal online betting and gambling platforms.

Actor seeks deferment

Sources said the 40-year-old actor was earlier asked to appear on Wednesday but he sought a deferment of the summons. Following this, the agency has now directed him to appear on August 11.

Other celebrities summoned

The ED had last week summoned four actors for questioning on different dates at its Hyderabad zonal office. Apart from Rana Daggubati, actor Prakash Raj (60) has been summoned to appear on July 30, Vijay Deverakonda (36) on August 6, and Lakshmi Manchu (47) on August 13.

28 celebrities under ED scanner

As part of this investigation, a total of 28 actors, celebrities, social media influencers and management personnel of these betting apps have been booked by the ED. The agency is probing them for allegedly promoting online betting apps that are suspected to have generated crores of rupees in illicit funds.

Case based on Telangana FIRs

The ED registered its case, taking cognisance of five FIRs filed by Telangana police against these platforms. Sources said these celebrities had endorsed apps such as Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, Lotus365, among others, and received payments as celebrity or endorsement fees.

Actors deny knowledge of betting operations

Some of the actors, during preliminary inquiries, have reportedly stated that they were unaware of the exact functioning of these betting apps. They claimed they did not associate with these platforms for any illegal activities or to promote gambling.

Statements to be recorded Under PMLA

Once the actors appear before the agency, the ED will record their statements under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as part of its ongoing probe into the online betting and gambling racket, sources added.