Close on the heels of slapping cases against 11 social media influencers, the Telangana police have lodged cases against top Tollywood actors including, Rana Daggubati, Vijaya Devarakonda, Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, Praneeta, Nidhi Agarwal and a few others for promoting betting apps.

Acting on a complaint, the Miyapur police filed the FIR against the film actors. Some social media influencers who were charged in the case two days ago were also included in the fresh case.

“We have booked them under the Gaming Act under the Bharat Nyaya Samhita” a senior police officer told businessline.

With reports of people committing suicide after losing heavily in online betting games, the police have launched a massive crack-down on the rampant promotion of betting apps in social media.

As police begin stringent action, some of the influencers are publishing videos expressing regret for promoting the apps.

The Miyapur police charged 25 film actors and social media influencers for their alleged involvement in promoting betting apps. These celebrities are found to be promoting the apps through pop-up ads, and on some websites.

SayNotoBettingApps

V C Sajjanar, a senior IPS officer heading the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC), is running a campaign on social media, posting messages against the scourge of betting apps.

“Join the Movement! #SayNoToBettingApps. I’m truly overwhelmed by the response on social media regarding betting apps. Many influencers have reached out, asking for permission to create awareness videos,” he said in a recent post.

“Let me be clear – you don’t need my or anyone’s permission to raise awareness for a good cause. If you want to make a difference, spread the message,” he told them.

“Together, we can fight against illegal betting promotions and protect lives,” he said.

With reports of scores of people ending up in severe financial losses, the Telangana police too launched a campaign on social media asking people not to play games on the betting apps. “They will lure you with free rewards and ‘welcome offers’ and cheat you. Don’t download betting apps and mortgage your lives to the apps,” they said.