Illegal-Betting-Apps-Scandaeverakonda-Questioned-by-ED

The Actor Refuted Any Claims of Illegal Involvement, Says He Only Promoted Legal Gaming Apps Like A23

Actor Vijay Deverakonda was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad for over four hours on August 6. The case is linked to illegal betting apps, but Vijay said he only promoted a legal gaming app and didn’t know why he was called.

The ED is looking into 29 celebrities who may have promoted betting platforms. The case started from police reports filed in Telangana. These reports claim that some actors and influencers promoted apps used for online betting.

Vijay Defends Promotion of Legal Gaming App

Vijay made it clear he was not part of any betting promotion. He said he only worked with A23, a skill-based gaming app. He explained that A23 is legal, has a license, pays taxes, and follows rules set by the government.

He also shared documents with the ED, including bank records, contracts, and other details. He said the app he promoted doesn’t even work in Telangana because of location settings, which shows it follows state laws.

Vijay said, “There is a big difference between gaming apps and betting apps. Gaming apps are legal. They sponsor cricket, kabaddi, and other sports. Betting apps are illegal.”

He also mentioned that the Supreme Court has said skill-based games like A23 are legal. He asked the media to write correct headlines and not mix up gaming and betting.

Other Celebrities Under ED Scanner

Other celebrities are also being questioned. Prakash Raj, Rana Daggubati, and Manchu Lakshmi are among them. Prakash Raj appeared last week and said he had stopped promoting one app after learning it was not right. Rana and Manchu are expected to meet ED soon.

The ED is checking if there was any money laundering or tax evasion through these promotions. They are also looking into money from digital ads and app sponsorships.

Vijay ended by saying he has done nothing wrong and followed all the rules. He said it’s now up to the court and the government to decide what’s legal and what’s not.

For now, the actor has fully cooperated and shared everything the ED asked for.