ED summons ex-cricketer Suresh Raina for questioning in illegal betting app case

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate for questioning tomorrow in connection with the 1xBet case. He is expected to appear before the agency to record his statement.

This summons comes as part of a wider crackdown on illegal betting apps and platforms, many of which have been promoted by celebrities.

In May, Telangana Police filed cases against 25 popular actors, including Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj. Both actors denied any wrongdoing, stating they no longer endorse such platforms and that, when they had, the campaigns were confined to regions where online skill-based games are legally permitted.

On Monday, actor Rana Daggubati appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in Hyderabad in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal promotion of



online betting platforms. He had earlier been summoned on July 23 but sought more time, citing film commitments, after which his appearance was rescheduled to August 11.

The ED is also probing the financial transactions and digital trails of several other celebrities named in the FIR, including actors Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagalla, and television anchor Srimukhi.

Between 2023 and 2024, authorities also pursued the high-profile Mahdev online betting case, which involved allegations against senior politicians and bureaucrats from Chhattisgarh, including former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who was accused of being a main beneficiary.

Baghel denied any link to the scam, calling the allegations "politically motivated" and noting they surfaced ahead of the 2023 state election and last year's Lok Sabha polls.