Hyderabad: Popular YouTuber Harsha Sai Bandaram has been booked by Cyberabad police for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps, leading to a restaurant worker losing over ₹13 lakh. According to the complaint, Harsha Sai shared links to these betting platforms on his Instagram account, claiming that an initial deposit of ₹20,000 would yield a 150% bonus. Influenced by these promotions, the victim invested heavily, hoping for significant returns but ultimately faced financial ruin. The police have registered a case under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66-D of the Information Technology Act, which deal with online fraud and impersonation.
The victim reported that Harsha Sai not only shared betting links but also invited him to join a Telegram group named “Harsha Sai Tips,” where he and others received betting strategies. Encouraged by the group’s discussions and tips, the victim continued investing more money, ultimately losing ₹13,67,300 within a year. To fund his gambling, he took loans from friends, used online lending apps, and even sold his gold assets. This incident is part of a growing trend where social media influencers are accused of luring followers into online betting schemes. Similar cases have previously been registered against YouTubers like ‘Local Boy Nani’ from Visakhapatnam and Bayya Sunny Yadav from Hyderabad for endorsing illegal betting apps.
Senior IPS officer and Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) MD VC Sajjanar has been vocal against influencers promoting such platforms, warning that they pose not just financial risks but also a broader societal threat. In a statement, he urged citizens to report influencers endorsing betting apps, stating, “This is not just about losing money—it’s about destroying young lives. These apps are designed to trap users in a cycle of addiction, debt, and despair.” As authorities tighten their grip on digital gambling, cases like Harsha Sai’s highlight the darker side of influencer marketing, where misleading endorsements can have devastating real-life consequences.
