MOVIE DESK: Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda Under SIT Lens in Betting Probe
The Telangana Special Investigation Team has ramped up its scrutiny of celebrities accused of promoting online betting apps, amid reports linking such endorsements to youth suicides and financial ruin.
On November 12, 2025, actor Prakash Raj faced hours of questioning, emerging with a public apology that underscored the human cost of these promotions.
SIT’s Mandate in Betting App Cases
Telangana authorities launched the SIT in March 2025, under the Additional Director General of Police for the Criminal Investigation Department, to probe complaints from multiple police stations.
These cases highlight how aggressive marketing by stars allegedly drove young people into debt traps, resulting in tragic losses.
The team is examining 29 individuals, including film personalities, for their roles in endorsing platforms that blurred lines between gaming and gambling.
Early findings point to commissions and sponsorship deals that fueled the apps’ reach.
Prakash Raj Faces Intense Grilling
Prakash Raj arrived at the CID office in Hyderabad on Wednesday evening, where officials probed his 2016 endorsement of a gaming app.
He explained that the platform shifted to betting operations the following year, prompting an immediate end to his contract.
After the session, Raj addressed reporters outside, owning up to the oversight. “Whether knowingly or not, it was a mistake, and I apologize,” he said, handing over contracts, bank records, and transaction details to investigators.
He urged young people to shun quick-money schemes, stressing that true success comes from diligence.
“Families are breaking apart because of this; let’s commit to hard work instead,” Raj added, vowing no repeat errors.
Vijay Deverakonda Reiterates Stance
The day before, on Tuesday evening, Vijay Deverakonda spent about an hour with the SIT, defending his promotion of the A23 app as a legitimate skill-based gaming platform.
He noted its sponsorships for events like IPL and Kabaddi, insisting no betting elements were involved, especially since the app was inaccessible in Telangana at the time.
Investigators delved into agreement terms, payment structures, and awareness of regulatory bans.
Deverakonda provided documents mirroring those shared during an earlier Enforcement Directorate inquiry in March 2025, leaving the team to verify claims.
He exited discreetly through a rear entrance, avoiding the media swarm.
Siri Hanumanthu’s Morning Session
Earlier that Tuesday morning, actress Siri Hanumanthu appeared before the SIT, marking another step in summoning key figures named in the FIRs.
Her involvement stems from promotional activities tied to the disputed apps, though specifics of the questioning remain under wraps.
Sources indicate the focus was on contract details and outreach impact, aligning with the probe’s emphasis on accountability for public influence.
Path Forward for the Investigation
With Rana Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi, and others still pending summons, the SIT aims to unravel funding flows and promotional ethics.
This case echoes national concerns over the Mahadev betting scandal, where celebrity ties amplified illegal operations worth billions.
As families seek closure, the probe serves as a stark reminder of endorsement responsibilities in a digital age prone to exploitation.