The ED has reportedly questioned Bollywood actors Urvashi Rautela and Sonu Sood in connection with an ongoing investigation into illegal online betting apps. According to a recent report, both the actors were asked about their involvement and the promotion of these betting apps. For the unversed, promotion of such apps is under the scanner for violating Indian laws. Read on for further details on the same.
Urvashi Rautela, Sonu Sood Questioned By ED
In a report by NDTV Profit, it cited that sources familiar with the matter said that the celebrities were questioned regarding brand partnerships and promotional campaigns that may have indirectly encouraged betting, despite government bans in place. An ED official mentioned that these platforms managed to reach huge audiences mainly by roping in popular influencers and public figures, even when such promotions were legally questionable.
So far, Urvashi and Sonu Sood have not made any public statements or responded to media inquiries about the questioning. The agency is expected to share more information as the probe progresses. This incident is part of a broader investigation that started earlier this year. In March, a police complaint filed in Hyderabad listed 25 celebrities for allegedly promoting illegal betting platforms. The names included well-known actors and cricketers such as Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, and Suresh Raina.
The complaint alleged that these endorsements were not only illegal but also harmful to common people, especially those from middle and lower-income groups who fall victim to these apps with hopes of earning quick money. Some of the celebrities involved have spoken out. Actor Prakash Raj admitted that he had appeared in one such ad nearly a decade ago but stopped promoting it within a year. Rana Daggubati’s representatives also issued a statement saying that all of his contracts were lawful at the time.
Meanwhile, actress Kangana Ranaut voiced her opinion strongly on social media. She revealed that she had received several lucrative offers to promote betting apps but turned them down every time, saying integrity matters more today than ever before. She ended her post with a warning that this is a new India where such behaviour will not go unnoticed.