Actor Prakash Raj Testifies in Telangana's Betting Apps Investigation: Claims Unintentional Promotion

Actor Prakash Raj presented himself to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Wednesday regarding their ongoing investigation into the alleged promotion of online betting applications.

The SIT officials documented the actor's statement at the CID office in Hyderabad.

Following his session with investigators, Prakash Raj addressed the media, explaining that he had promoted what he believed was a gaming application in 2016. He clarified that upon discovering it was actually a betting app, he immediately ceased his promotional activities. He noted that betting was subsequently prohibited in 2017.

"Betting apps are harmful and are ruining many young people's lives," he stated. "Whether we promote these apps consciously or unconsciously, it's inappropriate. I apologize for my involvement," he added.

The previous day, actor Vijay Deverakonda had also appeared before the SIT. Officials recorded his testimony regarding compensation and commissions he received from betting applications.

The Telangana government established the SIT in March to investigate multiple cases involving online betting platforms.

These interrogations follow a series of arrests conducted by the SIT across six locations in Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. During this coordinated operation with CID, eight illegal betting organizers were apprehended.

Both Prakash Raj and Deverakonda were among 29 celebrities charged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in July-August for promoting banned betting applications.

The investigation stems from numerous FIRs filed throughout Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, encompassing various individuals including actors, YouTubers, and social media personalities.

These individuals were summoned under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

After his appearance before the ED on July 30, Prakash Raj had mentioned that the matter originated in 2016. He maintained that he had not accepted payment.

Deverakonda has consistently stated that he only promoted legal skill-based gaming applications rather than unlawful betting platforms.

Actors Rana Daggubati and Manchi Lakshmi had also been summoned to appear before the ED in connection with this investigation.