Vijay Devarakonda’s Team Issues Clarification After FIR In Illegal Betting Apps Controversy: His Endorsement Was Strictly…

Tollywood’s illegal betting scam: A police case has been registered in Telangana against 25 celebrities, including popular actors and YouTubers. Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Nidhi Agarwal, and Manchu Lakshmi are among the accused booked for allegedly endorsing illegal betting apps. The FIR was lodged following a complaint by businessman Phanindra Sarma. Vijay Deverakonda’s name was also listed in the FIR, along with several other prominent celebrities. Now, his PR team has issued an official statement on the matter.

Vijay Devarakonda’s team issues clarification amid Illegal betting apps controversy

Vijay Deverakonda’s PR team has issued a statement clarifying that the actor endorsed only skill-based games legally permitted in specific regions. The statement from the Liger actor’s PR reads, “His endorsement was strictly confined to regions and territories where online skill-based games are legally permitted.” The team also highlighted, “Honourable Supreme Court of India has repeatedly recognised online games such as rummy as distinct from gambling or gaming. It has been mentioned explicitly that the A23 platform involves skill rather than chance, making it legally permissible.”

Vijay agreed with A23 after his legal team ensured the association complied with legal standards. The press release also noted that Vijay Deverakonda’s endorsement term ended in 2023, and he no longer has any association with the brand.

Also Read: Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati And Other 23 Tollywood Celebs Booked For Promoting Betting Apps: Report

Who are the accused involved in the Illegal betting apps controversy?

The list of accused celebrities and influencers includes Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, Vijay Deverakonda, Praneetha, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagalla, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, Shoba Shetty, Amrutha Chowdary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Pandu, Padhmavathi, Imran Khan, Vishnu Priya, Harsha Sai, Sunny Yadav, Shyamala, Tasty Teja, and Bandaru Sheshayani Supritha.

Businessman Phanindra Sarma claimed that many individuals lost their savings due to these apps. He further stated that he almost deposited money on one such platform but decided to withdraw after his family warned him. The FIR also accuses celebrities of accepting large payments to promote these apps, influencing the public—especially those already struggling financially—to invest, leading to addiction and severe financial losses.

Authorities have registered the case under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, and relevant state laws related to cheating and online fraud.