Actress Nidhhi Agerwal has now joined the list of celebrities being questioned in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged promotion of illegal betting applications. The case has brought several well-known names under scrutiny, with authorities examining claims that celebrities and social media personalities promoted betting platforms to a wider audience. The investigation has been progressing through different agencies, and Agerwal had earlier appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department in Hyderabad as part of the same matter.
Nidhhi Agerwal questioned By ED over alleged betting app promotion
Nidhhi Agerwal appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in Hyderabad on August 19 for questioning in the case. As per the report by ANI, the actress was reportedly brought to the ED office under police security. Her appearance came after she received a notice from the agency regarding the investigation. The questioning is part of the wider probe into the alleged promotion of betting applications. Authorities are looking into the role of celebrities and influencers and are examining whether their promotional activities were connected to platforms accused of operating illegally.
Illegal betting apps case involves several Tollywood celebrities
The investigation began after a complaint led to an FIR being registered by the Telangana Police at Miyapur Police Station in Hyderabad. The complaint was filed by businessman PM Phanindra Sarma on March 19 last year. It alleged that several celebrities and social media influencers had promoted online gambling applications. According to the complaint, such promotions had a strong impact on young people, with some being encouraged to put money into betting platforms after seeing advertisements and endorsements on social media. Authorities have since expanded the investigation, and around 21 celebrities have reportedly been booked in connection with the case.
Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda , and others named in betting probe
The list of celebrities named in the case includes Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, Praneetha, Nidhhi Agerwal, Ananya Nagella, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi and Varshini Sounderajan, among others. The allegations are being examined under provisions linked to the Public Gambling Act of 1867. The case has also gained wider attention as the debate over regulation of online betting continues in the country. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court indicated that final hearings would be scheduled on petitions seeking stricter regulation of online and offline betting applications.With the ED now questioning Nidhhi Agerwal, the investigation is expected to bring further details to light as authorities examine the alleged promotional links involving celebrities and betting platforms.
