Tollywood Star Rana Daggubati Grilled by ED Over Alleged Betting App Endorsements
Rana Daggubati's ED Interrogation
Hyderabad: On Monday, officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) interrogated Tollywood actor Rana Daggubati for approximately four hours regarding his alleged involvement in promoting illegal betting applications.
The actor exited the ED's regional office in Basheerbagh around 3 p.m. after providing his statement, which included details about his endorsement contract and related financial transactions.
Rana chose not to address the media as he left the premises.
He is the third actor to be questioned in this investigation, following Vijay Deverakonda and Prakash Raj.
Initially summoned on July 23, Rana had to reschedule due to a film shoot and requested a new date from the ED.
Last month, the ED had summoned Rana along with Prakash Raj, Vijay, and Manchu Lakshmi as part of their inquiry.
Prakash Raj was questioned on July 30, while Vijay faced the ED on August 6.
Manchu Lakshmi is scheduled to appear on August 13.
These four actors are among 29 celebrities who were implicated by the ED on July 10 for allegedly endorsing illegal betting platforms.
The central agency has initiated an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against these individuals for promoting illegal betting, which contravenes the Public Gambling Act of 1867.
This investigation, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, stems from five FIRs lodged in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
After his questioning on August 6, Vijay stated that he was called in to discuss a gaming app he had endorsed, asserting that such apps are legal and government-recognized businesses. He provided documentation regarding his accounts and financial dealings.
Prakash Raj informed the ED on July 30 that he had not received any payment for a past endorsement, explaining that his conscience prevented him from accepting compensation. He acknowledged having done one advertisement for a betting app in 2016 but later regretted it.
Earlier this year, Vijay, Rana, Prakash Raj, and others were charged by Cyberabad police for allegedly promoting betting applications.
Both Rana and Vijay have maintained that they only endorsed legally sanctioned online skill-based games.