Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to an online betting app. The probe is part of a broader crackdown on illegal betting platforms that have come under intense scrutiny for allegedly duping users and evading taxes. This development follows a similar questioning of former cricketer Suresh Raina last month, indicating a widening inquiry into the involvement of high-profile celebrities.
Officials from the central probe agency believe Dhawan is linked to the betting platform 1xBet through certain endorsements. He has been asked to appear at the ED's Delhi headquarters, where his statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED aims to understand the nature of his association and any financial transactions related to the app. The agency is investigating multiple such cases, with officials noting that the illegal online betting market in India is worth over USD 100 billion.
The ED's investigation has already brought several other well-known figures under its scanner. In August, actor Rana Daggubati appeared before the agency in Hyderabad, following a summons that was initially postponed due to his film commitments. Daggubati, along with other actors including Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, and Nidhi Agarwal, were previously booked by the Telangana Police for their alleged links to betting promotions. Both Daggubati and Raj have denied any wrongdoing, asserting that they only endorsed platforms for skill-based games in regions where such activities are legal.
The ongoing inquiry has drawn parallels to the Mahadev betting scandal of 2023–24, a case that also implicated senior politicians and raised concerns about the extensive network of illegal betting in the country. Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, who was named in the Mahadev case, described the charges against him as "politically motivated." These cases highlight the complex and far-reaching nature of the online betting industry in India, which has grown significantly, with an estimated 220 million users.
As the investigation continues to expand, officials have indicated that more summonses are expected. The probe has revealed violations of several laws, including the Information Technology Act and the Foreign Exchange Management Act. With the Union government recently banning real-money online gaming through new legislation, the ED’s crackdown underscores a firm stance against illegal betting and money laundering, signaling a difficult road ahead for celebrities and platforms involved in these activities.
