A case has been registered against six film actors, including Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and Vijay Deverakonda, along with 19 social media influencers for allegedly promoting betting apps, the police said on Thursday.
Actors Lakshmi Manchu, Pranitha, and Nidhhi Agerwal have also been named in the case.
The complainant, a businessman, accused the celebrities and influencers of endorsing betting apps on social media through pop-up ads and other means.
Based on the complaint, a case was registered under relevant sections of the BNS, the Gaming Act, and the IT Act on March 19, they said.
The case is currently under investigation. Under the Telangana Gaming Act of 2017, all forms of online betting are prohibited.
The police are planning to issue notices to those named in the FIR.
Reacting to the development, Prakash Raj posted a video on 'X' on Thursday, stating that he learned through media and social media about the betting app advertisement he had done.
Acknowledging that he had done a gaming app advertisement in June 2016, he said he realised his "mistake" a few months later.
"I couldn't do anything about it since the contract was for a year, so I let it go. However, when the company wanted to renew the contract, I refused, as my conscience did not accept it," he said.
"This is my response. Yes, I did the ad eight years ago, but since then, I have consciously decided not to promote betting apps. I have not endorsed any online gambling platforms in the past eight to nine years," he added.
Prakash Raj also advised young people against gambling, warning that it ruins lives.
He further clarified that he had not received any summons from the police but would respond if and when he did.
"I hope you will forgive the one mistake I made eight years ago," he said.
Meanwhile, a statement from Rana Daggubati's team clarified that he had signed a contract as a brand ambassador for a skill-based gaming company, which expired in 2017.
"His endorsement was strictly limited to regions where online skill-based games were legally permitted," the statement read.
It also stated that Rana Daggubati's legal team carefully reviews all partnerships before entering into agreements. After a thorough legal review, he endorsed the platform, ensuring full compliance with the law.
"It is important to note that these online games have been recognized by the Supreme Court as distinct from gambling. The Court has ruled that such games are based on skill rather than chance and is, therefore, legally permissible," the statement added.
The FIR states that the complainant while using social media, came across several celebrities and influencers actively promoting "illegal" betting apps, websites, and other gambling platforms.
The complainant alleged that these celebrities and influencers accepted large sums of money as commissions and remuneration for their promotions.
These platforms, he claimed, encourage the public, particularly those in financial distress, to invest their hard-earned money, leading to addiction and financial ruin.
The complainant provided names of celebrities and influencers he alleged were involved in promoting "illegal" betting, gambling, and casino applications.
Earlier, on March 17, a case was registered at Panjagutta Police Station against 11 YouTubers and social media influencers for allegedly promoting online betting apps.
Some of those named in the latest case have already appeared before the police after being summoned.
Meanwhile, sources from the Telugu film industry said they plan to advise the Movie Artistes Association (MAA) on the issue. The industry body intends to educate its members on ethical advertising practices once further details emerge, the sources added.
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