Manchu Lakshmi Appears Before ED in Hyderabad Over Betting App Promotion Probe

Telugu actor Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged promotion of illegal online betting applications. This marks a fresh development in a case that has already brought several Tollywood celebrities under scrutiny.

Lakshmi arrived at the ED’s Basheerbagh office around 10:30 AM for questioning. Officials said they would examine her involvement in endorsing certain betting platforms, review any contracts she signed, and verify the payments she received. The agency is also collecting details of related financial transactions and will record her statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Probe Linked to March 2024 FIR

The investigation stems from a March 2024 FIR filed at Miyapur Police Station by businessman PM Phanindra Sarma. The complaint alleged that several Telugu film stars, TV personalities, and influencers promoted online betting apps that tricked users, violating the Public Gambling Act, 1867. These promotions allegedly presented gambling platforms as entertainment or even charity-linked activities to bypass legal restrictions.

The list of those booked includes Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, Praneetha, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagella, and others. ED sources said that Lakshmi’s testimony would be cross-checked against evidence already collected and statements from other witnesses.

Other Celebrities Questioned

The ED has summoned 29 individuals so far, including actors, YouTubers, and social media influencers, to determine whether these promotions were isolated acts or part of a coordinated campaign.

This week alone, Lakshmi became the fourth Tollywood celebrity to face questioning. Vijay Deverakonda appeared before the ED on August 6, Rana Daggubati on August 12, and Prakash Raj on July 30.

After his appearance, Vijay Deverakonda clarified that he only promoted “skill-based gaming apps” and not betting platforms. Prakash Raj told investigators that he did not receive any payment for his participation in an ad and later regretted being part of it. Rana Daggubati was questioned for nearly four hours.

Lakshmi’s Career Continues

Despite the legal troubles, Manchu Lakshmi remains active in the entertainment industry. She was most recently seen in Karan Johar’s reality show The Traitors.

The ED’s probe is ongoing, and more high-profile names may face questioning as the investigation into illegal betting app promotions widens.

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