Several prominent Telugu actresses and social media influencers are embroiled in a growing controversy in Telangana as the Punjagutta police intensify their crackdown on illegal betting app promotions.
Among the actresses in the spotlight are Anchor Shyamala, Vishnupriya, Supritha Naidu (Bandaru Sheshayani), and Ritu Chowdhary.
The police have booked them under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Sections 3, 3(A), and 4 of the Telangana State Gaming Act, and Section 66D of the IT Act, 2008.
Authorities have already served notices to Vishnupriya and others, summoning them for questioning as they investigate their social media activity and promotional content.
Shyamala, a popular TV anchor with a history of political involvement, has drawn particular attention after a viral video surfaced showing her endorsing a betting app.
Vishnupriya, a rising social media star, claimed ignorance of the illegality, stating, “I didn’t know it was against the law,” while Supritha issued a public apology in a video on Holi, admitting her mistake.
Ritu Chowdhary, another influencer, is also under scrutiny as part of the wider investigation.