ED summons: After Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda senior actor Prakash Raj appear before ED in betting app endorsement case
Veteran actor
Prakash Raj
appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged promotion of illegal betting apps by several celebrities.
According to an IANS report, the actor reached the regional ED office in Basheerbagh, Hyderabad, around 10 am for questioning. The appearance comes months after the Cyberabad Police booked Prakash Raj and several others in March this year for promoting betting platforms.
Actor claims he ended contract over ethical concerns
Prakash Raj had earlier clarified that he terminated his contract with one such app back in 2017, after realising it wasn't the right move. The actor claimed that, for ethical reasons, he had severed his ties with the association and had not extended the promotional agreement.
Other big names also summoned by ED
The ED recently widened its probe and issued summons to several prominent actors and influencers under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency has asked Rana Daggubati,
Vijay Deverakonda
, and Manchu Lakshmi to appear for questioning in the coming weeks. While Rana was scheduled to appear on July 23, he reportedly requested an alternate date. Vijay Deverakonda was summoned for August 6, and Manchu Lakshmi on August 13.
These actors are part of a broader list of 29 celebrities, including film actors, TV personalities, and YouTubers, named in an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) filed by the ED. The allegations include endorsing online betting platforms, which the agency suspects were involved in money laundering through paid promotional content.
On the work front, he will be seen in upcoming films including 'Jana Nayagan,' 'Father', 'Big Picture,' 'Goodachari 2,' and several others.
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