2 hrs ago
CBI Targets Influencers in Siddipet Betting App Case
The CBI is investigating people accused of promoting betting apps in Siddipet.
Investigators believe social media influencers encouraged students and young people to invest money.
These promotions allegedly described the activities as easy business opportunities or extra ways to earn money.
Some people reportedly lost large amounts of money.
One B Tech student, Badugu Harikrishna, allegedly lost about Rs 4 lakh through QNet and related activities before dying by suicide.
Some victims were reportedly contacted through dating apps.
The case also involves alleged links to loan apps and other illegal activities.
The CBI may question influencers and other people connected to the case.
The CBI identified Uppala Alekhya and Kalvala Manikanta Reddy as key accused in the Siddipet case.
The agency is expected to summon YouTube and social media influencers allegedly involved in promoting betting apps.
Investigators said influencers presented betting apps and QNet activities as business opportunities or second-income schemes.
Victims allegedly lost money through betting apps, QNet-related activities and loan-app-linked harassment; some cases involved dating apps.
The Telangana government transferred the investigation from the CID to the CBI after investigators found possible inter-state links.
- Who
- The Central Bureau of Investigation is investigating Uppala Alekhya, Kalvala Manikanta Reddy and suspected social media influencers.
- What
- The CBI is probing alleged promotion of betting apps, QNet-related activities and associated harassment linked to losses and suicides.
- Where
- Siddipet district, Telangana, with possible inter-state links.
- When
- The CBI began investigating after the Telangana government transferred the case from the CID; the article does not provide specific dates.
- Why
- Investigators allege that victims were lured into betting and related activities through social media promotions presented as business or income opportunities.
Key facts
- Investigating agency
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Earlier investigating agency
- Telangana Crime Investigation Department (CID)
- Key accused identified
- Uppala Alekhya and Kalvala Manikanta Reddy
- Victim cited
- Badugu Harikrishna, a B Tech student from Veloor
- Reported loss
- Approximately Rs 4 lakh in alleged QNet and related activities
- Promotional channels
- YouTube, social media and, in some cases, contacts made through dating apps
- Case transfer
- The Telangana government transferred the case from the CID to the CBI after possible inter-state links emerged
Quotes
CBI sources
Sources familiar with the CBI investigation
“Based on these links and social media IDs, the agency initiated a probe to identify the influencers. Some of them have been identified and are likely to be summoned for questioning”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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