New Delhi: Following accusations that Rana Daggubati had endorsed illegal betting apps, the actor’s team issued a statement on Thursday, assuring that his endorsement was fully compliant with the law.

The statement clarified that Rana had entered into a contract as a brand ambassador for a company promoting skill-based games, which expired in 2017. His endorsement was restricted to regions where such games were legally permitted.

"It is important to clarify that Rana Daggubati entered into a contract with a company to act as a brand ambassador for skill-based games, which expired in 2017. His endorsement was strictly limited to regions where online skill-based games were legally allowed. Rana's legal team thoroughly reviews all partnerships before agreements are made. After careful legal review, he agreed to endorse the platform, ensuring full compliance with the law," the statement read.

The press note further emphasised that the online games in question had been recognised by the Supreme Court of India as distinct from gambling. The Court ruled that such games are based on skill, not chance, and are therefore legally permitted.

This clarification comes after the Telangana police filed a First Information Report (FIR) against 25 celebrities and influencers, including prominent figures like Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi, for allegedly promoting illegal betting and gambling apps through their social media platforms.

The FIR was filed at Miyapur Police Station in Hyderabad following a complaint by businessman PM Phanindra Sarma. In his complaint, Sarma stated that during a conversation with local youth on March 16, he discovered that many had been influenced to invest money in these gambling apps, heavily advertised by social media influencers.