Urvashi Rautela, Sonu Sood Face Questioning⁢ Over Betting App Endorsements

‍ Updated June 18, 2025

Actors‍ Urvashi Rautela and Sonu Sood were recently questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding their potential role in promoting illegal online betting platforms. the investigation is centered on celebrity endorsements⁢ of ⁤apps allegedly violating Indian gambling laws.

The ED is examining the actors’ connections to online gambling websites. Rautela and Sood were reportedly questioned about endorsement contracts and their promotional role with betting apps, including surrogate platforms like “1xbat,” which allegedly used QR codes and web links to redirect users to 1xBet, a banned gambling site.

According to an ED official, these platforms gained important visibility by partnering with celebrities and influencers, ‍even defying government bans. Neither Rautela nor Sood’s representatives have released official statements.

The investigation‍ also extends ‍to other ‍public figures in entertainment and sports. Cricketers⁤ Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Suresh Raina⁤ have also been called in for questioning. ⁣The ED ⁣believes these high-profile endorsements played a key role in legitimizing the banned platforms, leading to increased user engagement and potential financial fraud.

In March, authorities in Hyderabad filed ⁣a First⁣ Information ⁢Report (FIR) against 25 celebrities for promoting illegal betting platforms. The ⁢list includes actors Nidhi Agarwal, Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, prakash Raj, and others.

What’s next

The ED investigation is ⁢ongoing, with potential implications for celebrities endorsing online betting platforms.Further legal actions may follow as the ⁣investigation progresses and the⁣ role of celebrity endorsements in promoting illegal activities is further clarified.