Lakshmi Manchu faces ED questioning: Actor spotted by paparazzi outside Hyderabad office
Actor Lakshmi Manchu appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged promotion of betting apps. What was expected to be a low-key visit quickly turned tense when paparazzi surrounded her.
Tense entry at the ED office
In a video shared by ANI on X (formerly Twitter), the Agni Nakshatram star was seen stepping out of her car and walking toward the building, only to be immediately surrounded by photographers and reporters.
As questions flooded in and cameras clicked in rapid succession, Lakshmi appeared visibly uncomfortable with the crowd's proximity. A team member asked the media to step back, but Lakshmi herself looked at the crowd and said firmly, 'Behave yourselves!' before heading inside.
Ongoing ED probe into betting app promotions
The ED investigation follows several state police FIRs related to online betting platforms that allegedly generated illegal revenues worth crores of rupees through unauthorized gambling. Several celebrities, including actors and social media influencers, are suspected of endorsing these apps for payment, lending legitimacy to these platforms among their audiences.
Lakshmi Manchu is the fourth actor to appear before the agency in this case. Previously, Prakash Raj,
Vijay Deverakonda
, and Rana Daggubati were questioned on separate dates in recent weeks.
Statements from other Tollywood stars
Rana Daggubati and Vijay Deverakonda have clarified that they only endorsed legally authorized, skill-based gaming platforms. Vijay shared company accounts and transaction details with the ED, while Prakash Raj stated that he never accepted payment for a 2016 betting app endorsement, citing his personal conscience.
Lakshmi Manchu is currently preparing for her next big-screen project,
Agni Nakshatram
. In the film, she plays a fierce police officer alongside her father, veteran actor Mohan Babu, with Samuthirakani, Viswant Chitra, and Siddique in pivotal roles.
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