The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned prominent South Indian actors, including Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, Lakshmi Manchu, and Prakash Raj, in connection with a money laundering investigation tied to illegal online betting and gambling platforms.
Veteran actor Prakash Raj appeared before ED officials on Wednesday and later addressed the media. “This was a case of money laundering on betting apps, and the app was something I endorsed 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,” he stated. He added, “There is no witch-hunting or political motivation in this. Officers are doing their job, and as a citizen, I am supposed to cooperate and answer their questions.”
The ED had taken cognisance of five state police FIRs before registering the case. Back in March, Prakash was named among 25 celebrities and influencers in an FIR filed by Telangana police. In a video message on X, Prakash clarified, “This happened around 9 years back… I have taken a conscious decision not to promote betting apps. I say to all youngsters, don’t be victim to such gambling because it ruins lives. Say no to betting apps.”
Rana Daggubati has been given a revised appearance date of August 11 after skipping the earlier summons. Vijay Deverakonda and Lakshmi Manchu are to appear on August 6 and 13, respectively.
