The controversy over betting apps has been a burning issue in Telangana, with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy intervening to take stringent action against the problem. In the Assembly, the CM made the announcement of constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to carry out a detailed investigation into the issue. He promised stern action against those propagating these unlawful platforms, making it amply clear that such things will not be accepted.
The scandal has raised considerable interest since the alleged presence of a number of Tollywood celebrities and social influencers is involved. Names like Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, Prakash Raj, and Manchu Lakshmi are said to be among 25 high-profile personalities accused of endorsing betting applications. Cases already have been registered at Miyapur Police Station. Panjagutta Police also have launched cases against 11 TV personalities like Harsha Sai, Vishnu Priya, and Local Boy Nani for their connection to these platforms.
The matter took a serious turn with reports against some of the Telugu cinema’s largest stars such as Nandamuri Balakrishna, Prabhas, and Gopichand. Rumors indicate that Balakrishna promoted a betting application on his hit talk show Unstoppable on the Aha streaming service. A complaint filed by Rama Rao accused Balakrishna, Prabhas, and Gopichand of endorsing the Fun88 betting application, which created public outrage.
The Telangana government had earlier banned betting apps within the state, but the fact that high-profile celebrities have endorsed such platforms has been widely criticized. CM Revanth Reddy condemned such endorsements by these celebrities, citing the tragic effects such apps have left on citizens. Official reports have cited that nearly 980 people have reportedly fallen prey to such scams associated with the apps, and many lost their lives due to financial loss and trauma.
The newly established SIT has been given the responsibility of unearthing the extent of the scandal and holding everyone accountable. Through its crackdown on immoral practices, the government is trying to protect the public from such scams in the future.