Prakash Raj appears before ED in betting app case

Veteran actor Prakash Raj appeared for questioning at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Basheerbagh, Hyderabad on July 30, 2025. The investigation is part of the ongoing investigation into financial frauds on digital betting apps across the country. In the wake of the serious impact of illegal online gaming apps on the public, especially the youth, the ED has focused on those who promoted them.

In this case, a total of 29 celebrities have been summoned for questioning based on an FIR initially registered at the Cyberabad police station on January 19, 2025. These include Prakash Raj, Rana Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi, Vijay Deverakonda. All of them are believed to be beneficiaries of the promotions of gaming or betting apps.

According to this case, cases have been registered under Telangana Public Gambling Act, IT Act Section 66-D, and Indian Penal Code Sections 318(4), 112 (49).

During this investigation, Prakash Raj submitted his details to the ED. He stated that he had promoted an online rummy app called Junglee Rummy in 2016. However, in 2017, he clarified that he had terminated the agreement after some suspicious elements were found in this regard. Prakash Raj has given a clear statement that he has not promoted any online gaming app since then. He said that he will fully cooperate with him in this investigation.

Currently, the ED investigation is ongoing in this case. More celebrities are likely to appear for the investigation. The government is conducting this investigation expeditiously with the aim of taking strict action against illegal online betting, money laundering and financial fraud. Further legal proceedings are likely to proceed in earnest after the investigation.