Hyderabad: Actor Rana Daggubati has broken his silence following questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) regarding his alleged involvement in the promotion of online betting apps. The actor appeared before the SIT in Hyderabad on Saturday, November 15, 2025, after an FIR was filed against him and other celebrities for endorsing gaming applications.
Daggubati, known for his roles in films like "Baahubali" and "Vettaiyan", addressed the media after the session, emphasizing his commitment to promoting responsible gaming and adhering to the law. "We are going to use the right ways to communicate the right message about gaming and gaming apps," he stated. "The legalities will be completed later. But I am here to do whatever is needed to help spread the message".
The SIT's investigation stems from an FIR filed earlier this year by the Telangana Police, which named 25 celebrities and influencers, including Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi. They are accused of promoting illegal betting and gambling apps through social media platforms. The FIR was registered following a complaint by businessman PM Phanindra Sarma, who alleged that these promotions encouraged betting activity among the public.
The Telangana government established the SIT, under the supervision of the Additional Director General of Police and the CID, to investigate online betting app cases and curb illegal betting activities. Authorities have charged the accused under the TS Gaming Act and the Information Technology Act, including Section 66(D) related to cheating and identity theft. The investigation is examining financial deals, promotional agreements, and potential violations by the celebrities involved.
According to reports, CID officials questioned Daggubati about his agreements with betting platforms, the number of platforms he promoted, payments received, and other related details. Daggubati, however, refrained from disclosing specific details about the questioning, citing the ongoing investigation.
Vijay Deverakonda's team issued a statement clarifying that the actor had endorsed a skill-based gaming app in regions where it was permitted. The statement emphasized that his endorsement was strictly confined to regions and territories where online skill-based games are legally permitted.
The case has drawn national attention to the issue of celebrity-backed illegal betting promotions. The Enforcement Directorate has also registered a case against actors and influencers as part of a money-laundering investigation involving some of these platforms. The investigation continues, and further details are awaited.
