ANDHRAPRADESH: Betting Apps Controversy: Legal Trouble for Balakrishna, Prabhas, and Gopichand
Growing Legal Scrutiny on Tollywood Celebrities
The controversy over Tollywood actors endorsing online betting apps is deepening, with several celebrities now facing legal action.
Initially, complaints were filed against actors Rana Daggubati, Ananya Nagalla, and Nidhhi Agerwal for promoting betting platforms on social media.
A fresh complaint has been registered against Nandamuri Balakrishna, Tottempudi Gopichand, and Uppalapati Venkata Surya Narayana Prabhas Raju, widely known as Prabhas.
Allegations of Promoting a Chinese Betting App
The complaint, filed by social activist Rama Rao Immaneni, alleges that the three actors endorsed Fun88, a Chinese-operated betting app that runs via Google Chrome.
According to the complaint, the app deceives users by luring them into online gaming, resulting in financial losses. The funds are allegedly funneled through mule accounts, raising concerns over illegal money transfers.
Violation of Indian Laws and National Security Concerns
Immaneni claims that Fun88 is linked to a banned Chinese gaming platform, thereby violating the Telangana Gaming Amendment Act, 2017, and the Digital Media Ethics Code.
The complaint further suggests that the app poses national security risks, as unauthorized financial transactions and potential data breaches could threaten cybersecurity.
Demand for a Ban and Legal Action
Citing these allegations, the complaint urges authorities to block public access to Fun88 immediately. Additionally, it calls for strict legal action under Section 66F(B) of the Information Technology Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
While the police have begun investigating the matter, no arrests have been made so far. The response from the accused actors and their legal teams remains awaited.