TL;DR: Twenty-five celebrities, including big Tollywood names like Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and Vijay Deverakonda, are facing legal heat in Telangana for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps. A businessman filed a complaint, claiming these endorsements misled the public and caused financial distress. The police have registered cases under various sections of the law, highlighting concerns over the influence of celebrities on vulnerable populations.
Hey folks! Big news from Tollywood! 🌟 Twenty-five celebs, including our favorite stars like Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and Vijay Deverakonda, are in hot water for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps. 😲
What's the Scoop?
A Hyderabad-based businessman, Phanindra Sarma, filed a complaint stating that these celebs and influencers endorsed betting platforms, leading many to lose their hard-earned money. 💸 He mentioned that these promotions especially affected middle-class and lower-middle-class families, pushing them into financial distress.
Who's on the List?
Apart from the big names, the FIR includes:
Praneetha, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagalla, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, Shoba Shetty, Amrutha Chowdary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Pandu, Padhmavathi, Imran Khan, Vishnu Priya, Harsha Sai, Sunny Yadav, Shyamala, Tasty Teja, and Bandaru Sheshayani Supritha.
What's the Allegation?
The complaint alleges that these personalities promoted illegal betting platforms through social media ads. 📱 These platforms reportedly involve massive sums of money and have led many families into distress.
Legal Actions Taken
The FIR has been registered under sections related to cheating and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and state laws.
Celebrity Responses
Reacting to the FIR, actor Prakash Raj mentioned that he had appeared in such an ad way back in 2015 and opted out after a year.
MediaFx Opinion
At MediaFx, we believe that celebrities hold significant influence over the public, especially the youth. 🌱 It's crucial for public figures to promote values that uplift society and not endorse activities that could lead to financial ruin for vulnerable populations. While endorsements can be a source of income, the ethical implications should always be considered. Promoting illegal betting platforms not only jeopardizes individual finances but also undermines the socio-economic fabric of our communities. We stand for peace, equality, and the well-being of the working class. ✊
Join the Conversation!
What are your thoughts on celebrities endorsing such platforms? Do you think they should be held accountable? Drop your comments below and let's discuss! 🗣️👇
