Telugu actor Manchu Lakshmi appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at its Basheerbagh office in Hyderabad on Wednesday (August 13, 2025) for questioning in connection with the alleged promotion of unauthorised online betting platforms.The summons issued to her is part of an ongoing investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) into promotional campaigns that, according to officials, portrayed unregulated gambling apps as entertainment or charity-linked initiatives. The ED sources said that her statement will be cross-verified with evidence already on record and testimonies from others questioned in the case.So far, the agency has summoned 29 individuals, including actors, YouTubers and social media influencers, to determine whether the endorsements were isolated or part of a coordinated attempt to skirt regulatory restrictions.Ms. Lakshmi is the fourth Tollywood celebrity to be questioned this week. Actor Vijay Deverakonda appeared before the ED on August 6 and Rana Daggubati on August 12. Actor Prakash Raj was the first to appear before the agency on July 30.Published - August 13, 2025 12:36 pm IST