Actor Lakshmi Manchu on Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad as part of its ongoing investigation into the alleged promotion of betting apps.
The ED had summoned her after her name surfaced in connection with a digital platform under scrutiny for links to online betting.
A video shared by news agency ANI captured Lakshmi arriving at the ED’s zonal office. As soon as she stepped out of her car, a crowd of photographers and reporters surrounded her with cameras and questions.
Visibly uncomfortable with their proximity, Lakshmi, after a team member urged the media to maintain distance, turned to them and firmly said, “Behave yourselves!” before proceeding inside.
The actress is among four prominent names—alongside Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Rana Daggubati—called in for questioning in the case. All four were issued summons in July, with their appearances scheduled on different dates.
ED officials are recording statements from each actor under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), following the agency’s registration of a case based on at least five FIRs filed by state police.
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According to ED sources, several celebrities and influencers are suspected of having endorsed online betting apps in exchange for a celebrity or endorsement fee. These platforms allegedly generated illicit funds running into crores through illegal betting and gambling activities.
So far, Prakash Raj appeared before the ED on July 30, Rana Daggubati on August 1, and Vijay Deverakonda on August 6. Following his appearance, Vijay clarified that he had only promoted A23, a legal gaming platform, and not a betting app.
Lakshmi Manchu, best known recently for her appearance on Karan Johar’s reality show The Traitors, has not yet issued a public statement on her ED questioning.
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