YouTuber Harsha Sai, 10 others face legal action over betting app promotions
Hyderabad: In a major crackdown, Telangana police on Monday booked 11 social media influencers in connection with the alleged promotion of betting apps.
The Panjagutta police have registered a case against Vishnu Priya, Supritha, Ritu Chowdhary, Harsha Sai, Tasty Teja, Pareshan Boys, Imran, Bayya Sunny Yadav and others for misleading the youth by promoting illegal betting platforms, which could have severe social consequences.
The crackdown comes following a complaint made by one Vinay Vangala from Miyapur. He expressed concern over the online promotion of betting and gambling activities, which is in violation of Public Gambling Act, 1867.
While providing the details of social media influencers including their social media handles and names of betting apps, who are allegedly promoting online betting, Vinay said, their promotions are targetted at youth and the general public and consequently, it is affecting the users financially.
After receiving a complaint, the Panjagutta police have registered a case under section 318 (4) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), sections 3, 3A and 4 of the Gaming Act, and Section 66-D of the Information Technology Act.
Meanwhile, the authorities are preparing a list of social media influencers who are involved in promoting these apps and these internet personalities will be summoned for questioning soon.
Earlier, Cyberabad police booked YouTuber Harsha Sai Bandaram for promoting betting apps. The YouTuber was booked following a complaint from an individual who reportedly lost over Rs 13 lakh in betting after watching his videos.
A case of cheating has been registered against Harsha Sai under section 318 (4) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66-D of the Information Technology Act.
According to the complainant, who works in a restaurant, he has been a subscriber of Harsha Sai’s YouTube channel and has followed him on his Instagram account since 2022, regularly watching all his videos.
The complainant further stated that he trusted the YouTuber and deposited Rs. 20,000 via the website links shared by Harsha Sai on his Instagram account and participated in an online game. However, he lost his hard-earned money amounting to Rs. 13,67,300 over a year.
Telangana police book 11 influencers for promoting betting apps
Hyderabad: Telangana police have booked 11 social media influencers for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps through their social media platforms. Those booked include YouTubers and social media influencers… pic.twitter.com/aml329QpUD
— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) March 17, 2025
