Nidhhi Agerwal Questioned by ED Over Betting Apps

Actor Nidhhi Agerwal was questioned by India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad on August 19 as part of an investigation into the alleged promotion of illegal betting applications.

Agerwal appeared at the ED office under police security after being summoned by the agency. The appearance was not her first interaction with investigators over the case. She had previously been questioned by Hyderabad’s Criminal Investigation Department and had also received a notice related to the investigation.

Investigation Involves 21 Entertainment Figures

The inquiry extends beyond Agerwal, with authorities naming 21 actors, television personalities and social media influencers as part of their investigation into promotional campaigns for betting and gambling platforms.

Investigators are examining whether celebrity and influencer promotions helped these applications attract large numbers of users, including younger audiences.

The case originated from a complaint filed by businessman PM Phanindra Sarma on March 19 last year. Following the complaint, Telangana police registered an FIR at Miyapur Police Station in Hyderabad.

Sarma’s complaint focused on the alleged marketing of the gambling applications rather than simply their operation. He claimed that promotions involving celebrities and online influencers encouraged young people in his community to deposit money into the platforms.

Authorities are investigating whether such endorsements constituted the promotion of illegal gambling under the Public Gambling Act of 1867.

Multiple Actors and Influencers Named

The police case includes a broad group of entertainment personalities.

Alongside Agerwal, the individuals named include Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, Praneetha, Ananya Nagella, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi and Varshini Sounderajan, among others.

Being named in the case or questioned by investigators does not itself establish criminal wrongdoing. Authorities are examining the specific circumstances surrounding the endorsements and the alleged promotion of the betting applications.

Agerwal’s appearance before the ED represents another stage in an investigation that began with a local police complaint and has since developed into a wider enforcement inquiry.

The investigation is now examining both the betting platforms and the network of promotional activity through which they allegedly reached potential users.

Online Betting Regulation Also Faces Court Scrutiny

The investigation comes as India continues to consider its wider regulatory approach to betting applications.

Earlier in August, the Supreme Court indicated that it would schedule final hearings on petitions calling for tighter regulation of online and offline betting apps.

In the Hyderabad investigation, authorities continue to examine the promotional activities connected to the original complaint. Agerwal’s questioning on August 19 marks the latest development, while inquiries involving the other named personalities and their alleged endorsements remain ongoing.