FIR against celebrities for alleged promotion of illegal betting app: Prakash Raj Clarifies

The Telangana Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against 25 prominent personalities, including renowned actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi, for their alleged involvement in promoting illegal betting applications. The FIR was lodged following a complaint by businessman Phanindra Sarma, who accused these celebrities of endorsing platforms that have purportedly led to significant financial losses among the public.

Also Read: Legal trouble for 25 Telugu celebrities for promoting illegal betting apps

According to the FIR, these platforms utilize social media advertisements featuring celebrities and influencers to attract users. The complaint highlights that substantial amounts of money are involved in these illegal operations, causing distress, particularly among middle-class and lower-middle-class families. The complainant also mentioned personal experience, stating he nearly invested in one such platform but refrained after family intervention.

The legal action cites sections related to cheating under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act and state laws.

In response to the allegations, actor Prakash Raj clarified his association with such advertisements. He stated that he had appeared in a related advertisement "way back in 2015" and had opted out after a year, as reported by NDTV. Prakash Raj further mentioned that he is in the process of obtaining detailed information about the current case to address the allegations appropriately.

This development has sparked discussions within the film industry and among the public, raising concerns about the ethical responsibilities of celebrities in endorsing products and services. The case underscores the potential consequences of promotional activities that may inadvertently lead to public harm.