Actor Rana Daggubati arrives at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office for questioning in connection with an ongoing probe into a money laundering case linked to illegal online betting and gambling by certain platforms, in Hyderabad.
Credit: PTI photo
Hyderabad: Pan-India actor Rana Daggubati was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday regarding his alleged promotion of prohibited betting apps. ED officials questioned Rana for four hours, focusing on the remuneration and commissions he reportedly received from these betting platforms.
While the ED had previously issued summons for questioning, Rana had initially requested additional time due to scheduling conflicts with his professional commitments. The investigation extends well beyond the actor, as ED officials have already questioned several other prominent film personalities in connection with the same case.
Actor Prakash Raj underwent six hours of questioning, while Vijay Deverakonda faced a four-hour questioning. Sources indicate that the ED has issued notices to 36 film personalities so far as part of this comprehensive probe.
Rana was originally summoned to appear on July 23 but sought permission to reschedule his appearance to August 11, which was granted by the agency. The ED has also issued notices to actor Manchu Lakshmi, requiring her to appear for questioning on August 13.
Following his recent ED questioning, Vijay Deverakonda publicly denied promoting any betting apps. Instead, he clarified that he had only endorsed legally permitted gaming apps, emphasizing a crucial distinction between betting and gaming platforms.
"Gaming apps and betting apps are two different things, and gaming apps are legal," Vijay Deverakonda stressed. He pointed out that the gaming app he promoted sponsors various Indian sports teams, including the national cricket team, women's cricket team, Olympic team, and IPL franchises.