Hyderabad: The controversy over the promotion of betting apps in Telugu states has intensified, with multiple cases registered against celebrities. Telugu actress Ananya Nagalla is among those named in the investigation. Addressing the allegations, she stated that she was unaware of the legal implications when endorsing the app.
*”We only recently realized that promoting betting apps is illegal. Even top Bollywood stars and cricketers have endorsed such platforms, and we assumed they were doing so with full awareness. If similar advertisements appear in Hyderabad Metro, how are we supposed to know they are unlawful?”* she questioned.
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Ananya admitted to promoting a betting app without full awareness of its consequences. She revealed that she received Rs 1.20 lakh for a promotional video but later refunded the money to individuals who suffered losses. *”Once I understood the impact of these apps, I took responsibility and reimbursed those affected. I will not promote such platforms in the future,”* she stated.
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The Panjagutta police have registered cases against several film personalities and social media influencers in connection with betting app promotions. A complaint was filed by businessman Phanindra Sharma at the Miyapur police station, alleging that youth were losing money and facing severe financial crises due to these apps, with some even taking extreme measures.
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Actors Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, Prakash Raj, and Nidhhi Agerwal are also among those named in the case. Following backlash on social media over her remarks highlighting the involvement of senior celebrities, Ananya later issued a public apology.