‘Only promoted a legal gaming app’: Vijay Deverakonda clarifies after ED look in betting app case

Actor Vijay Deverakonda appeared earlier than the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday in Hyderabad’s Basheerbagh in reference to an ongoing investigation into the alleged promotion of betting apps. The actor was summoned after his identify surfaced in relation to a digital platform beneath scrutiny for its hyperlinks to on-line betting.

Vijay clarified his stance

Following his look, Vijay addressed the media and clarified his function, distancing himself from any criminality. “I was summoned because my name came up in connection with a betting app case. In India, there are two different categories – betting apps and gaming apps,” he defined in Telugu.

Vijay emphasised that he solely promoted A23, a authorized gaming app, and never a betting platform. “I clearly explained that I promoted a gaming app called A23. There is no connection between betting apps and gaming apps. Gaming apps are legal in several states. They are registered, have GST, taxes, and necessary approvals,” he mentioned.

He additional knowledgeable that he submitted all mandatory monetary paperwork to the ED, together with his financial institution transaction information and a replica of the settlement with the corporate behind the app. “The A23 app I promoted is not even accessible in Telangana. I have only promoted a legal gaming app,” he reiterated.

Earlier within the day, Deverakonda was greeted by a big media presence exterior the ED workplace. His staff, nevertheless, declined speedy interplay, saying, “Sir cannot talk,” earlier than the actor proceeded inside for questioning. Vijay was lately seen within the movie Kingdom, which launched in theatres on July 31.

Other actors beneath the scanner

Several Telugu actors have lately come beneath the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) scanner for allegedly selling on-line betting and gaming platforms. Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Lakshmi Manchu, and Prakash Raj have been among the many celebrities summoned in reference to a broader investigation into unlawful betting operations.

Prakash Raj appeared earlier than the ED in Hyderabad on 30 July and clarified that he had promoted a gaming app again in 2016, however later terminated the contract and declined any cost, citing private ethics.