Indian celebrities summoned in illegal betting probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), a law enforcement and economic intelligence agency of the Government of India, has summoned former Trinamool Congress MP and actor Mimi Chakraborty along with Bollywood actor Urvashi Rautela in its ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering linked to illegal betting platforms. According to officials, Chakraborty has been asked to appear before the agency’s Delhi headquarters on 15 September, while Rautela has been directed to depose the following day. Their statements will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
ED expands celebrity questioning
The summons to Chakraborty and Rautela come after several high-profile depositions in recent weeks. Former Indian cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina were questioned earlier this month over their reported associations with online betting apps through endorsements. In August, actor Rana Daggubati appeared before the ED in Hyderabad in connection with the same case.
Other prominent figures who have been questioned include actors Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda and Lakshmi Manchu. Officials said that the line of questioning focuses on promotional activities, payment structures and tax compliance by celebrities engaged with these platforms.
Focus on endorsements and payments
Investigators believe that several celebrities may have indirectly contributed to the growth of illegal betting apps by lending credibility through endorsements. A source familiar with the probe said that the statements of Chakraborty and Rautela are expected to clarify how they were approached for promotions, how financial transactions were routed and whether statutory dues such as taxes were paid in full.
The ED is examining whether payments for endorsements were structured to bypass disclosure requirements. The agency is also looking into links between celebrity promotions and the rapid expansion of betting platforms accused of defrauding investors.
Multiple legal violations under review
The betting platforms under investigation are suspected of siphoning off crores of rupees and evading taxes. According to officials, the probe has pointed to violations under the Information Technology Act, the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and the PMLA. These alleged breaches include unreported foreign transactions and the movement of funds through shell companies.
The agency has already collected financial documents, digital evidence and statements from those previously questioned. Officials said that depositions from Chakraborty and Rautela will add to the trail of evidence being pieced together.
Wider impact of probe
The case highlights the growing scrutiny of celebrity endorsements linked to online betting platforms. Over the past two years, India has seen a sharp rise in the popularity of such apps, many of which are accused of operating without regulatory approvals. The ED has intensified efforts to trace money flows, establish accountability and identify beneficiaries of the alleged fraud.
With the fresh summons, the agency appears to be tightening its focus on public figures whose association may have indirectly influenced millions of users. The questioning is expected to continue over the coming weeks as investigators work to map the full extent of financial irregularities.
