ED summons Bengali actor Ankush Hazra for alleged promotion of illegal online betting apps

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a summons to Bengali actor Ankush Hazra in connection with the promotion of illegal online betting apps. He has been asked to appear on September 16 at the ED office located in Salt Lake’s CGO Complex.

Sources stated that several betting companies use popular film actors and sportspersons to promote their apps and websites through social media platforms. These promotions are reportedly targeted at attracting the general public to participate in online betting.

It is alleged that actors were paid substantial amounts in return for endorsing these apps, resulting in crores of rupees being transacted illegally. The funds are believed to have been routed through hawala channels to avoid detection by investigative agencies.

Ankush Hazra is the first Bengali actor to face questioning in this case. Earlier, other celebrities including Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Urvashi Rautela, as well as cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina, have come under ED investigation. Last year, Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina recorded statements before the agency as part of this probe.