HYDERABAD: Actor Nidhhi Agerwal appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) here on Wednesday in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to online betting and gaming platforms, news agency PTI reported, quoting officials.The ED had summoned Nidhhi Agerwal as part of its probe into the alleged money laundering activities of online betting platforms and the role of celebrities and social media influencers in promoting them.“Her statement is being recorded in connection with an online betting case,” officials said.The agency is examining the role of celebrities and influencers who allegedly promoted betting and gaming applications under scrutiny for suspected money laundering violations.The ED probe stems from multiple police cases, including an FIR registered by Miyapur police and cases investigated by the state Crime Investigation Department (CID), relating to advertisements and promotions for online betting and gaming platforms.Nidhhi Agerwal was among 25 actors, television personalities and social media influencers named in an FIR registered in March 2025.What is the betting app case?The case began with a complaint filed by Miyapur-based businessman Phanindra Sarma, who alleged that celebrities promoted online betting and gaming platforms through advertisements and encouraged members of the public to invest money in them.The FIR also named actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, Pranitha and Ananya Nagalla, besides several social media influencers.Police later added 19 betting applications and their alleged organisers to the investigation.In July 2025, the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, expanding the probe into the betting network and its financial transactions.The predicate offences relate to police cases registered in locations including Panjagutta, Miyapur, Cyberabad, Suryapet and Visakhapatnam.Nidhhi Agerwal had earlier appeared before CIDThis is not the first time Agerwal has been questioned in connection with the betting app cases.She appeared before the CID in Hyderabad on November 21, 2025, where she was questioned by the special investigation team. CID officials were then examining allegations that she had promoted the gaming platform JeetWin through pop-up advertisements.5 key details about the case
- Nidhhi Agerwal questioned by ED
Nidhhi Agerwal appeared before the ED on Wednesday, with officials saying her statement was being recorded in connection with the online betting case.
- 25 celebrities and influencers named
Agerwal was among 25 actors, television personalities and social media influencers named in the March 2025 FIR.Several prominent actors named in FIRThe FIR also named Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, Pranitha and Ananya Nagalla.
- 19 betting apps under investigation
Police subsequently added 19 betting applications and their alleged organisers to the investigation.
- ED registered ECIR in July 2025
The ED registered an ECIR under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in July 2025 to investigate the betting network and its financial transactions. The probe covers cases linked to Panjagutta, Miyapur, Cyberabad, Suryapet and Visakhapatnam.
