New Delhi: Actor Urvashi Rautela appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi on Monday in connection with the ongoing probe into the 1xBet
betting app money laundering case. The actor had been issued summons earlier this month and was asked to join the investigation to clarify her role in promoting the online platform.
According to officials, Urvashi had been associated with 1xBet as its brand ambassador in India. She endorsed the betting company, which is registered in Curacao and claims to be a global bookmaker with operations spanning 70 languages and thousands of sporting events. Her presence at the ED headquarters has now placed the spotlight back on the growing list of celebrities under scrutiny.
Why is Urvashi Rautela being questioned by ED?
The case has been investigated as part of a wider probe against online betting companies accused of duping several people of crores of rupees while also evading significant tax liabilities. The agency suspects that endorsement fees may have been linked to funds categorised as “proceeds of crime”. It is also being examined whether properties were purchased through these payments, with some assets believed to be held abroad.
Earlier this month, Trinamool Congress MP Mimi Chakraborty was also questioned by the ED in relation to the same case. She had appeared before investigators on September 15, a day before Urvashi was initially scheduled to be questioned. That round of questioning had been postponed, leading to today’s appearance.
In recent weeks, several well-known figures, including cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa, and Shikhar Dhawan, along with actor Sonu Sood, have also been interrogated. Bengali actors Ankush Hazra and Mimi Chakraborty have faced inquiries as well.
Officials have indicated that the next stage of the investigation may involve attaching assets belonging to those found to have benefited from the alleged proceeds of crime. A chargesheet is expected to be filed once sufficient evidence is gathered.
What is 1xBet?
The ED’s line of questioning has reportedly focused on how celebrities were first approached by 1xBet, which acted as the contact points within India, and how payments were made. Details such as whether transactions were routed through legitimate banking channels or via hawala networks, and whether payments were received in India or abroad, are also under review.
For now, Urvashi or her team have not issued any public statement regarding her questioning. The investigation remains ongoing, and further summons are likely to follow in the coming weeks.
