Guwahati: Bollywood actress Tamannaah Bhatia is currently under the spotlight as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) questions her in Guwahati regarding her association with the HPZ app scam. The investigation into the app’s fraudulent activities, which has cheated people out of crores of rupees, has led the authorities to call the actress for a second round of questioning. According to sources, Bhatia is not being questioned as an accused but rather as a promoter of the app.
The actress arrived in Guwahati on Thursday, accompanied by her mother, to appear before the ED. The questioning, which is still ongoing, marks the second time Bhatia has been summoned by investigative agencies regarding her links to controversial digital platforms.
HPZ App Scam: What We Know So Far
The HPZ app scam has allegedly duped people by promising returns of ₹4,000 per day on an investment of ₹57,000. To facilitate this large-scale fraud, fake accounts were opened in multiple banks under the names of shell companies, and investor money was funneled through these accounts. The accumulated funds were reportedly laundered into cryptocurrencies and bitcoins and further used on various betting platforms, including the notorious Mahadev app.
The ED has already seized movable and immovable assets worth ₹497.20 crore in connection to this scam. The investigation into these betting apps has widened, with over 38 individuals suspected of involvement in this elaborate financial fraud.
Bhatia’s Previous Encounters with Authorities
This isn’t the first time Tamannaah Bhatia has come under scrutiny. Earlier this year, she was questioned by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell for her alleged association with the Mahadev betting app. The investigation linked her to the promotion of Indian Premier League (IPL) games on the FairPlay app, which is considered a subsidiary of Mahadev.
According to reports, her connection to the FairPlay software reportedly cost Viacom ₹1 crore. Her involvement in promoting these digital platforms has brought her into the focus of multiple investigative agencies, even though she maintains that her role was strictly limited to endorsement and promotion.
The Mahadev Betting App Scandal
The Mahadev betting app has been linked to a significant financial scam that has attracted the attention of authorities across India. The ED’s crackdown on the app has led to the identification of more than 38 individuals connected to the scam, which has defrauded numerous victims through illegal betting and financial manipulation.
Tamannaah Bhatia’s endorsement of the app has put her in a complex position, drawing legal attention despite her non-accused status in the ongoing investigations. The actress’s connection to these activities is being explored further to determine the extent of her involvement in promoting the software associated with these scams.
Current Status of Investigation
As of now, the investigation is still underway, with the ED continuing its questioning of Tamannaah Bhatia in Guwahati. The agency’s efforts to unravel the network behind these scams are intensifying, with more details likely to emerge as the case develops.
The spotlight remains on both the app’s fraudulent practices and the involvement of public figures in promoting or endorsing such platforms. Authorities are aiming to piece together the intricate web of connections that allowed this multi-crore scam to flourish.
The case highlights the growing concern over the role of celebrities in endorsing potentially fraudulent products or platforms, raising questions about accountability and due diligence when it comes to high-profile endorsements.
