HYDERABAD: Alleged Nepalese casino dealers in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh used some Indian celebrities to promote high stakes gambling trips to the neighboring country.
Homes, farms and other places owned by Praveen Chikoti and Madhav Reddy in the two states of Telugu have been searched by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), and the agency reportedly has evidence of Chikoti’s transactions found with some actors from Tollywood and Bollywood.
He had allegedly taken 10 celebrities to Nepal and also shot promotional videos featuring the celebrities.
Allegedly involved in Big Daddy’s “All In” Casino Vegas at Hotel Mechi Crown Jhapa in Nepal, the two organized high-stakes gambling for Indians who prefer to indulge in the security of a neighboring country.
The casino dealers reportedly arranged special flights to bring players to Nepal in June. For the four-day package, each player was charged Rs 3 lakh for airfare, hotel stay, food and entertainment.
The ED conducted searches at Chikoti’s home in IS Sadan in Hyderabad and his farmhouse in Kadthal on the outskirts of the city. The search that began on Wednesday continued on Thursday.
The central office confiscated a laptop and mobile phones from the suspect. Officials gathered information about his transactions with celebrities.
They also reportedly went through the two suspects’ bank transactions.
The two are also suspected of facilitating the transfer of stakes at the casino through hawala channels, which cost hundreds of thousands of rupees.
Both were summoned by the ED for questioning. Sources said based on their testimonies, others may also be subpoenaed.
Meanwhile, responding to the ED notice, Chikoti said ED officials were asking for certain clarifications. “I’ll answer your questions,” he told reporters.
He dodged answers when asked if he had arranged a special flight to bring celebrities and bettors to Nepal.
Chikoti and Reddy are also said to have been involved in organizing the casino in the town of Gudivada in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh in January. The casino during the Sankranti festival in January this year caused a lot of controversy.
Known as “PC” in gambling circles, Chikoti is known for his extravagant lifestyle. He showcases this lifestyle on social media handles. He posted a video of him taking a ride in his Range Rover car with his favorite pet, Python.
He claimed to be part of Goa’s Big Daddy Casino and revealed his recent birthday celebrations were attended by several Bollywood and Tollywood stars.
A huge crane was organized to garland him during the birthday celebration.
Chikoti was arrested by Hyderabad police during a raid on a star hotel in 2007. He was arrested along with 40 others for organizing gambling with gamblers.
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