HYDERABAD, India — Actor Nidhhi Agerwal appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad on Wednesday for questioning in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged promotion of illegal betting apps. She arrived at the ED office under police security and was escorted inside the premises, according to visuals cited in the supplied report.
Key Highlights
- Nidhhi Agerwal appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in Hyderabad on August 19.
- The questioning is reportedly linked to an investigation into the alleged promotion of illegal betting apps.
- Agerwal had earlier appeared before the Hyderabad CID after receiving a notice in the matter.
- Authorities have so far booked 21 celebrities in connection with the wider investigation, according to the supplied report.
Nidhhi Agerwal appears before ED
Agerwal’s appearance before the central agency comes as the investigation into alleged illegal betting app promotions continues. The actress had previously appeared before the CID in Hyderabad after being served a notice in connection with the matter.
The latest questioning by the ED represents another stage of the ongoing investigation. The supplied report does not state what specific questions were put to Agerwal or whether any further action was taken against her following her appearance.
Betting app investigation involves several celebrities
According to the supplied report, 21 celebrities have been booked by authorities so far in connection with the investigation. The case relates to allegations that celebrities and social media influencers promoted illegal betting and gambling applications through their online platforms.
The wider case originated with an FIR filed by Telangana Police at Hyderabad’s Miyapur Police Station. The complaint was based on a petition submitted by businessman PM Phanindra Sarma on March 19 last year.
What does the complaint allege?
The complaint alleges that celebrities and influencers promoted gambling applications that were claimed to violate the Public Gambling Act of 1867. Sarma reportedly told authorities that he became aware of the issue after conversations with young people in his community.
According to the allegations described in the supplied report, some individuals had been influenced to put money into gambling applications after seeing promotional content shared by social media personalities.
The names listed in the police case include Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, Praneetha, Nidhhi Agerwal, Ananya Nagella, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi and Varshini Sounderajan, among others.
Agerwal had earlier appeared before CID
The ED appearance follows Agerwal’s earlier questioning by the Hyderabad CID. She had been issued a notice as part of the inquiry before appearing before the state investigative agency.
The current investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations mentioned in the case have not been established as facts against the individuals named in the complaint.
Supreme Court betting app pleas also in focus
The wider issue of regulation of betting applications has also reached the Supreme Court. Earlier this month, the court said pleas seeking strict regulation of online and offline betting apps would be listed for final hearing, according to the supplied report.
The development comes amid continuing scrutiny of online betting and gambling platforms and the ways in which such applications are promoted to users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Nidhhi Agerwal appear before the ED?
According to the supplied report, Agerwal appeared for questioning in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged promotion of illegal betting apps.
Had Nidhhi Agerwal previously been questioned in the case?
Yes. The supplied report says she had earlier appeared before the Hyderabad CID after receiving a notice in the matter.
What happens next?
The investigation into the alleged promotion of illegal betting applications remains underway. Any further action involving Agerwal or other individuals named in the case will depend on the findings of the investigating authorities.
Legal disclaimer: The allegations and accusations described in this article are based on the supplied report and should not be treated as established facts or proof of wrongdoing. Individuals named in connection with the investigation are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in accordance with law.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Content Creator of The Nation Bulletin, an independent digital news platform focused on delivering timely, reliable and meaningful news from India and around the world.
