Prakash Raj appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case linked to illegal betting apps. He clarified he never took money for the endorsement, stepped away on moral grounds, and dismissed claims of political targeting, calling it a routine inquiry.
Explains his past association with the app
Speaking to the media after his questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Prakash clarified that his involvement was limited to endorsing a betting app back in 2016—an association he chose to step away from on moral grounds. He stated that he had not received any payment from the endorsement and had cooperated fully with the officials by providing all relevant information. Emphasizing that the ED officials were simply doing their duty, the actor dismissed any claims of a witch-hunt or political agenda, adding that he was fulfilling his responsibility as a citizen by cooperating with the investigation.
Other celebrities under ED scanner
In connection with the same money laundering probe into illegal online betting platforms, the Enforcement Directorate has also summoned actors Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, and Lakshmi Manchu for questioning. Rana was initially asked to appear on July 23 but sought a deferment; the ED has now rescheduled his appearance for August 11. Vijay Deverakonda has been summoned for August 6, while Lakshmi Manchu is expected to appear on August 13.
FIRs trigger probe across states
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched its investigation based on at least five FIRs filed by state police forces across the country. In March, actor Prakash Raj was among 25 celebrities and influencers named in an FIR filed by the Telangana police in connection with the promotion of illegal online betting platforms.In a video post on his X account, Prakash had clarified his stance and said, “This happened around 9 years back. Since then, I have not done any ads which promote online gambling. In 2021, I think it the company must have sold this app to someone else, who used a couple of snippets of me on social media. We did send them a notice and an email. I said, ‘Look, I am not a part of it. I have said no. I told them they couldn’t illegally use my snippets as the contract has been expired.’ They stopped after that. This is my reply to all that I have taken a conscious decision not to promote betting apps. I say to all youngsters, don’t be victim to such gambling because it ruins lives. Say no to betting apps.”
