Prakash Raj Faces ED Scrutiny in Betting App Probe: No Political Motive, Actor Claims
In response to a summons in a well-known money laundering case involving illicit online betting apps, famed South Indian actor Prakash Raj appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad on July 30, 2025. The investigation, which focuses on 29 influencers and celebrities, claims that support for websites like Junglee Rummy and JeetWin enabled illegal money transfers. After a four-hour interrogation, Raj—who is renowned for his candid opinions—explained that he turned down payment for a 2016 endorsement deal on moral grounds, emphatically rejecting that the ED had any political motivations. What does this mean for India’s entertainment sector and the battle against financial crime as the investigation gets deeper? Let’s explore this developing drama.
According to the Times of India, P.M. Phanindra Sarma, a resident of Miyapur, filed a complaint in March 2025 accusing celebrities of encouraging young people to use gambling apps, which resulted in financial losses. This prompted the ED to launch an investigation. The case, which is registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), focuses on platforms that are alleged to have generated crores of dollars in illegal revenue. Actors Rana Daggubati (August 11), Vijay Deverakonda (August 6), and Lakshmi Manchu (August 13) are also called upon. Raj supported Junglee Rummy in 2016 but says he ended the agreement. “I informed them that I had not been paid. Despite his outspoken criticism
the Modi government, Raj told reporters, “They have taken all the details,” according to Business Standard, ignoring political motivations.
According to the investigation, which was spurred by five FIRs in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, celebrities may have laundered close to ₹50 crore through promotional deals by endorsing apps like A23, Parimatch, and Lotus365 without first confirming their legitimacy. According to The Hindu, the ED is looking into financial records and whether or not endorsements were passed off as entertainment. Daggubati’s deferment and Raj’s cooperation highlight the accused’s differing reactions. In keeping with a larger crackdown on digital promotions, the investigation also names TV hosts like Sreemukhi and influencers like Harsha Sai.
Public opinion is divided. While @htshowbiz quotes Raj’s denial of witch-hunting, X posts, like @PoliticalViewsO’s, make fun of him for not blaming the government. The case’s high profile is heightened by @CNNnews18’s coverage, which highlights other South Indian celebrities that are being investigated. Liability will be decided by the ED’s focus on intent, specifically whether celebrities intentionally supported unlawful platforms. Meanwhile, GST authorities are looking into parallel tax evasion investigations.
This case highlights weaknesses in India’s influencer market, where profitable endorsements have the potential to conflate morality. The scrutiny puts Raj’s reputation as a socially conscious person to the test. Raj is well-known for his roles in Singham and Kanchivaram. The investigation may change how celebrities use digital platforms as the ED expands its reach, posing concerns about regulation and accountability. Is it a passing fad for India’s celebrities, or will it result in more stringent oversight? The country watches as this financial and cultural saga plays out, with more summonses on the horizon.
