Hyderabad Metro MD orders removal of betting ads after public outcry
Hyderabad: Following the viral spread of betting-related advertisements on some metro trains, Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) Managing Director NVS Reddy responded on Thursday night, March 20, 2025. In light of concerns raised about the advertisements, the L&T Hyderabad Metro Rail Corporation has decided to take action and ordered the removal of these ads by Thursday night.
“The matter of betting-related commercial advertisements on some metro trains has come to my attention. I have instructed L&T and the advertising agencies to remove them immediately. They will be fully removed by tonight,” NVS Reddy said in a statement.
Earlier, the Miyapur police in Cyberabad had registered a case against 25 individuals, including prominent actors such as Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Devarakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, and Nidhi Agarwal, for allegedly promoting online betting applications. The case followed a petition filed on March 19, 2025, by Phanindra Sarma, a resident of Miyapur, who raised concerns over the growing influence of illegal betting and gambling apps in his community.
Sarma claimed that many people in his locality had invested money into these platforms, which were actively promoted by celebrities and influencers on social media. He also mentioned that, though tempted to invest himself, he refrained due to his family’s caution. According to Sarma, these betting apps violate the Public Gambling Act of 1867 and are leading individuals, particularly those in financial distress, into addiction and financial ruin.
The FIR named several celebrities for their involvement in promoting these betting apps. Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj were accused of endorsing Jungleerummy.com, while Vijay Devarakonda was linked to A23, and Manchu Lakshmi to Yolo247.com. Nidhi Agarwal was also named for promoting JeetWin.
Other celebrities mentioned in the case include Praneetha, Ananya Nagella, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi, and Varshini Sounderajan, who were associated with various other betting platforms. Additionally, individuals like Vasanthi Krishnan, Shoba Shetty, Amrutha Chowdhary, and several others were named for promoting a range of gambling and betting websites.
The FIR highlights how these apps are part of a broader network that targets young adults and the general public with promises of easy money, leading to significant financial losses. The police have filed the case under various sections of the TS Gaming Act, the IT Act, and other related provisions. Investigations are being led by G. Ramesh Naidu.
The petitioner, Phanindra Sarma, has called for action not only against the app managements but also the celebrities involved in promoting these illegal platforms. He argues that these platforms are causing financial distress, particularly among middle-class and lower-middle-class families.
