Rana Daggubati’s team has issued a clarification regarding allegations of promoting betting apps on Thursday, stating that his association with a skill-based gaming company ended in 2017. His team emphasised that the endorsement was strictly for legally permitted online skill-based games and underwent thorough legal review before he signed the contract.

“Rana Daggubati’s legal team carefully reviews all partnerships before any agreements are made. After a legal review, he agreed to endorse the platform, ensuring full compliance with the law,” the statement read. His team also pointed out that the Supreme Court of India has recognised skill-based games as distinct from gambling, ruling that they are legally permissible.

Similarly, Vijay Deverakonda’s team issued a statement asserting that his association was solely as a brand ambassador for skill-based games, ensuring compliance with legal standards. The statement read, “He had entered into a contract with a company solely as a brand ambassador for skill-based games.” 

Both statements come after the Cyberabad Police registered cases against multiple Telugu actors, including Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, and Nidhhi Agerwal, for allegedly endorsing betting platforms. The complaint, filed by a Miyapur resident, accused celebrities of promoting addictive gambling practices, potentially causing financial distress. A total of 25 individuals, including social media influencers, have been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, and the Telangana Gaming Act, 1974.