Telangana police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against 25 prominent celebrities and influencers, including renowned actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi, for allegedly promoting illegal betting and gambling applications. The FIR was lodged at the Miyapur Police Station in Hyderabad following a complaint by 32-year-old businessman P.M. Phanindra Sarma on March 19, 2025.
Details of the Complaint
Phanindra Sarma’s complaint highlights a concerning trend where celebrities and social media influencers promote illegal gambling apps, leading to financial distress among the public, particularly those from middle and lower-middle-class backgrounds. Sarma recounted interactions with youths in his community who had lost substantial amounts of money due to these apps. He himself was tempted to invest but refrained after cautionary advice from his family.
Celebrities and Influencers Named
The FIR lists several famous names from the Telugu film industry and social media sphere, including:
Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, Praneetha, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagella, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, Shoba Shetty, Amrutha Chowdary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Pandu, Padhmavathi, Imran Khan, Vishnu Priya, Harsha Sai, Bayya Sunny Yadav, Shyamala, Tasty Teja, Rithu Chowdhary, Bandaru Sheshayani Supritha
These individuals are accused of accepting substantial sums to endorse betting platforms on social media, thereby encouraging the public to engage in gambling activities.
Legal Framework and Charges
The accused have been charged under multiple sections of the law:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Sections 318(4) and 112 read with 49, pertaining to cheating and related offenses.
- Telangana Gaming Act: Sections 3, 3(A), and 4, which deal with the prohibition of gaming activities.
- Information Technology Act: Section 66(D), addressing cheating by personation using computer resources.
The investigation is currently being led by Officer G. Ramesh Naidu.
Impact on the Public
Illegal betting apps are spreading fast and causing serious harm, especially for young people and those who struggle financially. These apps often promise quick and easy money, which tricks people into taking risks they can’t afford. Many end up caught in a cycle of addiction and suffer heavy financial losses. The problem gets even worse when celebrities promote these apps, as their fame makes the apps seem reliable.
Fans and followers trust them and are more likely to use the apps without knowing the real dangers. This situation not only puts individual finances at risk but also hurts families and communities, as more people face the harsh consequences of gambling.
Authorities’ Response and Public Awareness
In response to the growing menace of online betting, authorities have intensified efforts to curb these illegal activities. Senior IPS officer and Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) Managing Director V.C. Sajjanar has launched an online awareness campaign titled #SayNoToBettingApps. This initiative aims to educate the public about the dangers of online betting and discourage engagement with such platforms.
Industry and Legal Implications
The involvement of high-profile personalities in promoting illegal activities raises questions about ethical responsibilities and the need for stricter regulations in advertising. The entertainment industry may face increased scrutiny, and there could be a push for more stringent guidelines to ensure that endorsements do not lead to public harm. Legal experts suggest that this case could set a precedent, leading to more accountability for celebrities and influencers in their promotional activities.
Holy Scriptures Opposing Gambling
Saint Rampal Ji, a spiritual leader whose teachings resonate with many in Telangana, strongly opposes gambling. His message emphasizes that gambling not only endangers financial stability but also destroys spiritual integrity. Here are key points from his teachings:
Scriptural Example – The Mahabharata Dice Game
- The Story of Yudhishthira:
In the Mahabharata—a text held in high regard in Telangana—the dice game played by King Yudhishthira is a powerful warning against gambling.- Telugu (సారాంశం):
“యుధిష్ఠిరుడు ఒక జూదం వల్ల తన రాజ్యాన్ని, సోదరులను మరియు ద్రౌపది గౌరవాన్ని కోల్పోయాడు. ఈ కథ జూదం మన జీవితాన్ని ధ్వంసం చేస్తుందని స్పష్టంగా తెలిపింది.” - Hindi (संक्षेप में):
“महाभारत में, राजा युधिष्ठिर ने जुआ खेलने के कारण अपना राज्य, अपने भाई और द्रौपदी का मान खो दिया। यह कथा जुआ के विनाशकारी परिणामों का संदेश देती है।”
- Telugu (సారాంశం):
This historical example serves as a powerful cautionary tale, demonstrating how gambling can unravel both personal lives and entire societies. Additionally, Saint Rampal Ji draws from the Rigveda (10.34.13), which advises, “Do not play with dice: practice husbandry. Delight in wealth, thinking, ‘I have won much,'” urging individuals to embrace honest labor and contentment rather than chasing the deceptive promise of quick riches through gambling.
Hindi Translation of Rigveda (10.34.13)
जुआ और गलत तरीकों से पैसे कमाने से बचकर, अपनी मेहनत से कमाई गई खेती से मिलने वाला अन्न और आनंद सबसे श्रेष्ठ है। इससे परिवार और जानवरों को लाभ होता है और परमात्मा का आशीर्वाद भी मिलता है।
More Scriptural Evidences against Gambling
Holy Bible – Proverbs 13:11
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
- Telugu:
“మోసం చేసే డబ్బు తరిగిపోతుంది, కానీ డబ్బును కొద్దికొద్దిగా సేకరించేవాడు దానిని పెంచుతాడు.” - Hindi:
“बेईमानी से कमाया हुआ धन नष्ट हो जाता है, किन्तु जो थोड़ा-थोड़ा करके धन इकट्ठा करता है, वह बढ़ता है”
Practical Guidance from Saint Rampal Ji:
- Avoid activities that promise quick wealth through chance rather than honest effort.
- Cultivate discipline and focus on spiritual growth rather than chasing ephemeral gains.
- Engage in SatBhakti and chant the three mantras—as stated in the Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17 Verse 23, “Om Tat Sat,” and the corresponding “ain, seen, kaaf” from the Holy Quran—to reinforce spiritual strength and inner balance.
- To know more about the process of getting all three mantras, contact: 7496801825.
