Hyderabad: Actor Prakash Raj appeared before the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday in connection with an investigation into illegal online betting apps. The ED has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against 29 actors, influencers, and content creators linked to the promotion of online betting platforms.Origins of the CaseThe investigation stems from a complaint filed on March 19, 2025, by P.M. Phanindra Sarma, a resident of Miyapur. In his statement to the Cyberabad police, Sarma claimed that many young people in his locality were drawn to online betting after seeing endorsements by celebrities on social media. Sarma said that although he himself was nearly swayed to invest in one of these apps, he refrained due to concerns raised by his family.The complainant Sharma alleged that these actors and influencers were promoting gambling platforms, causing financial distress and losses among users. He alleged these platforms targeted vulnerable people by promising easy returns, only to push them into debt.Prakash Raj’s InvolvementPrakash Raj was named in the both police FIR and ECIR due to his association with JungleeRummy, a gambling platform. Sharma claimed that the actor’s endorsement of the platform contributed to its reach and appeal.Raj, however, clarified his involvement, stating that in June 2016, the people behind JungleeRummy had approached him for an advertisement for the app, which he agreed to do. However, he explained that he became uncomfortable with the app’s nature shortly after and, despite feeling uneasy, was unable to retract his endorsement due to a one-year contract he had signed. Raj further stated that he discontinued his association with the app after realizing the negative impact it had on its users.
