Popular Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday, August 6, in connection with a probe into the alleged promotion of illegal online betting platforms.
The actor was summoned under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after his name surfaced in an ongoing investigation involving the endorsement of unauthorized betting apps. The case is based on multiple FIRs filed across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, implicating nearly 29 celebrities for promoting such platforms through social media and other channels.
According to reports, Deverakonda clarified during the questioning that he had refused payment on moral grounds and reiterated his full cooperation with the investigation.
Several other prominent names from the Telugu film industry, including Prakash Raj, Rana Daggubati, and Lakshmi Manchu, have also been summoned. Prakash Raj was previously questioned on July 30.
The investigation highlights growing concerns over celebrities allegedly using their influence to endorse platforms that may be operating outside legal boundaries.
The ED is expected to continue summoning other personalities linked to the case in the coming weeks.
