Vijay Deverakonda Issues Clarification After Allegations of Promoting Illegal Betting Apps:

Vijay Deverakonda, a prominent actor in the Indian film industry, has come under scrutiny following allegations that he had endorsed illegal betting apps, leading to significant financial distress among users. In response to the accusations, the actor’s team has issued a clarification, stating that his endorsement was for legal, skill-based games permitted only in specific regions.

In the statement, Vijay's team clarified: “His endorsement was strictly confined to regions and territories where online skill-based games are legally permitted.” The clarification also referenced legal precedents, citing that the Supreme Court of India has recognized games like rummy as distinct from gambling or gaming. The statement highlighted that the A23 platform, which Vijay had endorsed, involved skill rather than chance, thus making it legally permissible under Indian law.

Legal Context and Clarification

The statement further elaborated on the Supreme Court's position on skill-based games, noting that such games are not classified as gambling. The endorsement was intended to highlight the legality of the specific platform and to reinforce that the actor's promotion was within legal bounds.

However, despite the clarification, the controversy has continued to escalate. Police have booked a total of 25 celebrities and influencers, including well-known figures like Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, Praneetha, and Nidhi Agarwal, for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps. The list of influencers involved also includes popular names such as Ananya, Sreemukhi, Siri Hanumanthu, Shyamala, and many others.

Police Involvement and Legal Charges

The police have invoked multiple sections of the law against the individuals involved, including Sections 318(4), 112 r/w 49 BNS, 3, 3(A), 4 TSGA, and 66 D ITA-2000. These charges relate to the promotion of illegal betting apps, which allegedly led to severe financial distress, particularly among young users who are reported to have become involved in online betting platforms.

The complaint against the celebrities claims that their endorsement of these apps contributed to substantial financial harm, with many households experiencing severe financial turmoil due to young individuals falling into the trap of online betting.

Rising Concerns Over Celebrity Endorsements

This case has sparked a larger conversation about the responsibility of public figures in promoting products, particularly those with the potential for harmful effects. While celebrity endorsements are often used as a powerful marketing tool, there are growing concerns about the lack of accountability when it comes to promoting products that can negatively affect vulnerable segments of the population.

The incident has also raised questions about the regulation of online platforms, especially when it comes to celebrity-backed promotions. As the issue grows, there is an increasing call for stricter oversight and regulation to ensure that public figures do not inadvertently promote products that could harm public welfare.