‘No witch-hunting or political motivation’: Prakash Raj after ED questioning in betting app case

Actor Prakash Raj appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday in connection with a money laundering probe related to illegal online betting and gambling platforms. The agency is investigating the role of celebrities and influencers who had promoted or were linked to such apps in past campaigns. Raj is among several individuals summoned in the case following multiple FIRs filed by state police units.

Prakash Raj stated that the betting app in question was one he endorsed in 2016 but later chose not to be associated with. “On moral grounds, I did not pursue it, and I gave them information that I did not receive any money because I did not want to make money from that,” he said. The actor confirmed that the ED completed its questioning and he cooperated fully.

In March, Prakash Raj’s name appeared in a list of 25 celebrities and influencers against whom an FIR had been filed by the Telangana police. The Enforcement Directorate later took cognisance of five FIRs registered by various state police departments and began summoning individuals linked to the case. The investigation is focused on financial transactions and promotional deals involving illegal betting platforms.

In a video previously posted on his official account, Prakash Raj said that although he had promoted the app in 2016, he had taken a decision not to support betting platforms after that. He also mentioned that in 2021, the company may have reused snippets of his endorsement without permission. “We did send them a notice and an email. I said, ‘Look, I am not a part of it... they stopped after that,’” he said.

The ED has also summoned other actors in connection with the case. Rana Daggubati was asked to appear on July 23 but requested a deferment and has now been given a new date of August 11. Vijay Deverakonda is scheduled to appear on August 6, and Lakshmi Manchu on August 13. The agency continues to examine possible financial irregularities tied to celebrity endorsements of these platforms.