Police Commissioner Slams Raina & Dhawan: Betting App Endorsements Questioned After ED Seizures
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar criticizes Suresh Raina & Shikhar Dhawan’s role model status after ED seizes assets in a betting app probe. Read more.
Former Cricketers Suresh Raina & Shikhar Dhawan Face Scrutiny Over Betting App Promotions
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar has publicly questioned the integrity and role model status of former Indian cricketers Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan. This sharp criticism follows a significant move by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which seized assets worth Rs 11.14 crore belonging to the cricketers.
The seizures were part of an ongoing investigation into illegal betting platforms, casting a spotlight on celebrity endorsements and their ethical implications.
Commissioner Sajjanar’s Strong Condemnation
The IPS officer, known for his relentless campaign against online betting apps, expressed his profound dismay over the cricketers’ alleged involvement. He highlighted the devastating societal impact of betting addiction.
Questioning Celebrity Role Models
Taking to X, Commissioner Sajjanar made his stance clear: “What kind of celebrities are these people?” he questioned, emphasizing the moral responsibility of public figures.
He underlined the severe consequences of betting addiction, noting that countless young individuals are destroying their lives, with thousands even committing suicide.
The Human Cost of the Betting Epidemic
Sajjanar directly implicated promoters of such apps in the societal crisis. “Aren’t these individuals responsible for all of this, having promoted the betting demon that is tearing society apart?” he asked passionately.
His message urged influencers to use their platform to uplift society and guide youth, rather than misleading those who admire and look up to them.
ED Investigation: Unpacking the Asset Seizures
The Enforcement Directorate’s probe is meticulously focused on illegal offshore betting platforms. This includes notorious entities like 1xBet and its surrogate brands, such as 1xBat and 1xBat Sporting Lines.
The investigation was initiated based on multiple FIRs filed by various state police agencies, pointing to a widespread issue.
Significant Assets Attached by ED
During their thorough investigation, the ED took decisive action, attaching substantial assets linked to the cricketers:
- Suresh Raina: Mutual fund investments amounting to Rs 6.64 crore.
- Shikhar Dhawan: An immovable property valued at Rs 4.5 crore.
The ED reported that both cricketers had entered into endorsement agreements with foreign entities specifically promoting 1xBet’s surrogate brands, leading directly to these asset attachments.
Sajjanar’s Relentless Campaign Against Online Betting
V. C. Sajjanar, a 1996-batch IPS officer, has a distinguished history of actively campaigning against online betting and gambling applications. He categorizes these operations as organized crime due to their widespread harm.
Advocating for Celebrity Accountability
During his tenure as Managing Director of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation, Sajjanar was a staunch advocate for holding celebrities and influencers directly responsible for promoting betting apps.
His unwavering efforts have previously resulted in police action against numerous celebrities and social media influencers involved in similar promotions. Sajjanar firmly believes that public figures bear a direct ethical responsibility given the immense trust and following they command among the public.
Conclusion: The Imperative for Responsible Endorsements
The potent criticism from Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar against Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan highlights a crucial debate surrounding celebrity endorsements and their profound societal impact. As investigations into illegal betting platforms intensify, this incident serves as a significant wake-up call.
It reminds public figures of the severe ethical considerations that must guide their promotional activities. Ultimately, it underscores the urgent need for celebrities to prioritize the well-being of their admirers, particularly the impressionable youth, over mere commercial gains when choosing which brands and services to endorse.