The Maharashtra cyber cell has summoned actor Tamannaah Bhatia in connection with the alleged promotion of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches on a subsidiary app of the Mahadev online gaming and betting application. Tamannaah, known for her roles in films like Baahubali and the Netflix anthology Lust Stories 2, has been asked to appear before the Maharashtra cyber personnel on April 29.
According to ANI, Tamannaah and Sanjay Dutt reportedly endorsed FairPlay’s subsidiary app of the Mahadev betting app. They have been summoned by the Maharashtra cyber cell for allegedly promoting the viewing of IPL matches on the betting app. Both actors have been called to record their statement as witnesses in the case. Sanjay, citing his busy work schedule, has requested a later date. The Maharashtra cyber cell has already recorded the statements of singer Badshah and the managers of actors Sanjay Dutt and Jacqueline Fernandez in the case.
The FairPlay app, a betting exchange platform, is accused of illegally streaming some IPL matches in 2023, causing significant losses to Viacom 18, which held exclusive broadcasting rights for the cricket tournament. Viacom18 filed a complaint with the Maharashtra cyber cell over digital copyright infringement. Additionally, the Mahadev app is under investigation by various agencies for alleged illegal transactions and betting. In 2023, celebrities like Kapil Sharma, Sonakshi Sinha, Huma Qureshi, and Hina Khan were under the scanner of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Mahadev money-laundering case. The ED had also summoned actor Ranbir Kapoor in connection with the Mahadev online betting app case.