Vijay Deverakonda Quizzed by ED in Connection with Online Betting Probe

Actor Vijay Deverakonda was questioned on Tuesday by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation linked to alleged violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), tied to online betting operations.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the actor was summoned as part of a wider probe involving a network of illegal betting platforms, many of which are suspected to have funneled large sums of unaccounted money through promotional events and celebrity endorsements.

Deverakonda, who reportedly arrived at the ED's Hyderabad office in the morning, was questioned for several hours. Officials are said to be examining his alleged association with a company reportedly under the scanner for hosting and promoting events that were backed by funds linked to these betting operations.

While the actor has not been accused of any direct wrongdoing, investigators are said to be verifying the flow of money in certain promotional campaigns where he was a brand ambassador or participant. The ED is also believed to be probing if proceeds from the betting operations were laundered through film-related events or celebrity-linked promotions.

This is not the first time celebrities have been brought into the spotlight during the ED’s crackdown on online betting syndicates. Over the past few months, several influencers, actors, and businessmen have been called in for questioning, as the agency attempts to map out the financial web behind these platforms.

Vijay Deverakonda, one of the leading stars in the Telugu film industry, has so far not made any public comments regarding his appearance before the ED. His legal team has maintained that he is cooperating fully with the authorities.

The investigation remains ongoing.