Latest news with #PrakashRaj
New Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Universities curbing political discourse a matter of concern, opines human rights activist Haragopal
HYDERABAD: Noted human rights activist Prof G Haragopal has expressed serious concern over universities curbing political discourse on campuses by denying even prominent political leaders, such as Rahul Gandhi, the opportunity to interact with students. He was referring to an incident that occurred during the BRS regime. 'Rahul Gandhi, a politician, wants to interact with students. The vice-chancellor objects to it. Why is he not allowed? Such is the situation in universities nowadays,' he said, drawing a comparison to the late Prof Kothapalli Jayashankar, who had once invited revolutionary balladeer Gaddar to the Kakatiya University campus. Prof Haragopal was speaking at a commemorative meeting of Prof Jayashankar, organised by the Telangana Vikasa Samithi in Hyderabad on Saturday. The meeting was presided over by BRS MLC Deshapathi Srinivas. Speaking at the event, film actor Prakash Raj stressed the importance of diversity and criticised divisive narratives. He also referred to the trade war initiated by US President Donald Trump, describing the imposition of tariffs on India as a form of 'cold war' similar to the first and second world wars. Without directly naming the BJP-led government at the Centre, he alleged that certain forces 'do not want a human to become a universal person.' 'They don't want democracy. They build a narrative saying your faith, caste, or language is at risk. Then, during elections, they seek a contract from you to protect your beliefs,' he said. Highlighting the value of cultural exchange, Prakash Raj remarked that silk fabric was invented in China, asking rhetorically, 'If China hadn't invented it, what would you have worn?' He said those who oppose diversity suffer from xenophobia.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Vijay Devarakonda grilled by ED over A23 app; says it is legal gaming platform
HYDERABAD: Actor Vijay Devarakonda, after being questioned for around four hours at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Basheerbagh, defended his promotion of the A23 application, stating it is a registered company. He clarified that there is a clear distinction between gaming and betting applications. Gaming apps, he said, are legal, recognised by the government, and licensed as businesses, while betting apps fall under a different category. Citing examples, he noted that a Google search for top gaming apps shows platforms such as Dream11, My11 Circle, MPL, and A23 — all registered entities that sponsor various Indian sports teams, including cricket, the Olympics, women's cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL), and kabaddi and volleyball teams. Vijay Devarakonda added that ED officials were seeking clarifications from him, and he provided them with his bank transactions and account details. He also observed that officials appeared unsure why his name had surfaced in the investigation. Earlier, the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against 29 individuals, including actors and influencers. Recently, officials also questioned Prakash Raj.
Mint
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Vijay Deverakonda breaks silence on betting apps case after appearing before ED: 'As my name appeared...'
Actor Vijay Devarakonda appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday in connection with allegedly betting app case. After his arrival at the investigating agency's office, the actor clarified about the summons and said that the matter is being probed. Not just Vijay, but 25 celebrities, including Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and Manchu Lakshmi came under the scanner for allegedly promoting illegal betting and gambling apps. Vijay said, as per ANI, 'I want you all to change the headline saying Vijay Deverakonda appeared for gaming apps clarification. An investigation into betting apps is definitely underway, and they're also unsure why my name appeared. As my name appeared, they are doing the verification and taking details.' Kingdom star added that while he has done "endorsements for Gaming apps, and there is no relation between gaming apps and betting apps." 'I have done endorsements for Gaming apps. There is no relation between a gaming app and a betting app. Gaming apps are completely legal, recognised by the government, and licensed as a business. They have GST, TDS, companies fully registered and recognised by the Supreme Court and various state governments. A23 is the same,' he said. He further explained, "If you Google top gaming apps... these are registered gaming apps. They also sponsor the Indian Cricket team, the Olympics, the Indian Women's cricket team, IPL, and various others because these are completely legal entities. So, firstly, gaming apps and illegal betting apps should be separated." Vijay said he has submitted all the necessary details for the investigation. "As my name came, they asked me for a few clarifications. They asked me for account details, transaction details and about the company. We have shown that." "There is the Supreme Court and state governments to decide what is right or wrong. If they are okay, there should be no discussion," he said. Previously, actor Prakash Raj appeared before the ED in an alleged betting app case. Addressing media, he said, "This was a case of money laundering of betting apps, and it was something I did in 2016. 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. They have taken all the details and have finished the enquiry... Officers are doing their job, and as a citizen, I am supposed to cooperate and answer their questions. There is no witch-hunting or political motivation in this..." The FIR was filed at the Miyapur police station in Hyderabad after Phanindra Sarma, a 32-year-old businessman, lodged a complaint on March 19. The complainant alleged that celebrities and influencers were promoting illegal gambling apps in violation of the Public Gambling Act of 1867, reported ANI.
India Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Law will decide right or wrong: Vijay Deverakonda on illegal betting apps case
After appearing before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on August 6, actor Vijay Deverakonda said he was called for clarification regarding his promotion of gaming apps, and clarified that the ongoing probe concerns the alleged illegal promotion of betting platforms.'There is an investigation going on regarding betting apps, but I was called for clarification in gaming apps. The Supreme Court and the state government will decide what is right or wrong,' he told statement comes days after actor Prakash Raj was questioned by the ED in the same case. Raj appeared before the agency on July 30 after being named among 29 celebrities in an FIR filed by the Cyberabad police. His statement comes days after actor Prakash Raj was questioned by the ED in the same case. Raj appeared before the agency on July 30 after being named among 29 celebrities in an FIR filed by the Cyberabad FIR accuses actors and influencers of promoting betting apps through digital advertisements. Raj, who was reportedly associated with the gaming app Junglee Rummy in 2016, has clarified that he withdrew from the endorsement in 2017 after realising it was ED is tracking financial transactions and digital trails linked to the celebrities named in the FIR. The list includes Rana Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagalla, and television anchor Daggubati, who was initially summoned on July 23, sought more time due to film commitments. Both he and Manchu Lakshmi have been asked to appear on August investigation is being carried out under multiple laws, including Sections 318(4) and 112 read with Section 49 of the Bharat Nyay Sanhita, Section 4 of the Telangana State Gaming Act, and Section 66-D of the IT Act — all related to online fraud and deception.- EndsMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Tamil Nadu
NDTV
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Actor Vijay Deverakonda At Probe Agency Office Over Online Betting Case
Hyderabad: Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad today in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to the promotion of illegal online betting applications. The ED's probe is based on an Enforcement Case Information Report or ECIR filed against 29 celebrities, including actors, TV personalities, and social media influencers. The case stems from multiple First Information Reports filed by the Telangana Police, which allege that these public figures promoted betting apps in violation of the law. The ED suspects that these endorsements were part of a scheme to launder large sums of money generated through illegal gambling. Vijay Deverakonda's team had earlier issued a clarification after his name surfaced in the case. They clarified that Vijay Deverakonda's association was strictly limited to endorsing a "skill-based gaming platform" and was not for any illegal betting or gambling apps. His team highlighted that his endorsement was only for "regions and territories where online skill-based games are legally permitted." They further said that his legal team thoroughly reviewed the agreement to ensure compliance with all legal standards. The statement refers to the Supreme Court of India, which has, on multiple occasions, distinguished "skill-based games" like rummy from gambling, asserting that they require skill rather than chance. The clarification also notes that Vijay Deverakonda's endorsement contract with the brand in question, A23, ended in 2023 and that he is no longer associated with them. The actor's position, as communicated through his team, is that his endorsement was for a legally recognized skill-based game and was done in a completely lawful manner. This stands in contrast to the allegations that the promotions were part of a larger money laundering scheme involving illegal betting platforms. Veteran actor Prakash Raj was one of the first to appear before the ED for questioning. After his questioning, he told the media that his association with a betting app was a limited one from 2016. He claimed he had withdrawn from the contract on "moral grounds" and had not received any payment for the endorsement. He has not been asked to appear again. Rana Daggubati was initially summoned to appear on July 23 but requested an extension as he waa shooting in Tamil Nadu. He has been given a new date of August 11 to depose before the ED. His team had previously stated that his contract for a skill-based gaming platform ended in 2017 and was legally compliant. The ED's investigation extends to a total of 29 individuals, including actors like Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhhi Agerwal, Pranitha Subhash, and television personalities. The agency is examining financial transactions and digital records to determine the extent of their involvement and the flow of funds.
