Pankaj Bhandari is the CEO of Smart Creations, the Chennai-based firm that carried out electroplating of artefacts from Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth several crores of rupees in connection with the 1xBet online betting app case. Celebrities whose assets have been linked to the investigation include Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa, Sonu Sood, Urvashi Rautela, Mimi Chakraborty, Ankush Hazra and Neha Sharma.
As per official reports, assets worth Rs 2.5 crore linked to former cricketer Yuvraj Singh have been attached, while Rs 8.6 lakh linked to Robin Uthappa has also come under the scanner. The ED has further attached assets worth Rs 1 crore connected to Bollywood actor Sonu Sood and Rs 2.02 crore to Urvashi Rautela, in her mother’s name.
Assets worth Rs 59 lakh have also been linked to Bengali actress Mimi Chakraborty, Rs 47.20 lakh of Ankush Hazra, and Rs 1.26 crore of Neha Sharma have been attached. This comes after an extensive investigation that began after multiple FIRs were registered by various state police agencies against the operators of the illegal offshore betting app 1xBet.
As per ED’s investigation, these celebrities entered into agreements with foreign entities to promote 1xBet through surrogate branding, and these promotions were carried out via social media platforms, videos and print advertisements.
What does attaching assets mean?
As per Section 5 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, ED can provisionally attach any property for up to 180 days if it suspects that the property is linked to money laundering. During this time period, the properties or money cannot be sold, transferred, or used. These assets are temporarily seized to prevent them from being hidden or moved while the investigation is ongoing.
While the attachment does not automatically mean the person is guilty, it is a legal step taken while the case is being examined. However, ED cannot sell or auction these assets.
Also Read: Venkatesh Commences Shooting for Trivikram Srinivas’ Film
A big box-office clash is expected on March 19, 2026, as the Telugu film Dacoit, starring Adivi Sesh, is scheduled for release alongside Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2 and Yash’s Toxic. The simultaneous release of these highly anticipated films, which coincides with Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid, has generated huge buzz in the film industry and among fans.
During the teaser launch event for Dacoit in Hyderabad, Adivi Sesh commented on the emerging competition with Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic. He said, “I gave this statement in 2022 also. Back then, Major came alongside Kamal Haasan sir’s Vikram and Yash Raj Films’ Samrat Prithviraj. I faced the same question during that time, and my answer remains the same. There might be many big fish in the sea, but we are the goldfish.”
Dacoit stars Adivi and Mrunal Thakur in leading roles. The teaser, which was released yesterday, provides a glimpse into the film’s storyline. In the movie, Adivi plays a thief who develops a strong affection for Mrunal’s character. He faces challenges from a police officer, played by Anurag Kashyap.
Adivi shared the teaser on social media, writing, “A racy glimpse into the world of #Dacoit with a new twist to #DacoitTeaser out now.” Dhurandhar 2 will star Ranveer in a sequel to the widely discussed spy action thriller, directed by Aditya Dhar. The first part, which recently released on December 5, has been praised for its impressive scale and intensity. This film will also see R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt and Sara Arjun reprising their roles from the first part.
Meanwhile, Yash’s film Toxic has drawn attention, particularly after the actor’s release of a poster featuring a dark and moody visual. All three films are slated for a simultaneous release during a festive period, which has increased anticipation for the upcoming box-office clash.
Also Read: Dacoit Teaser: Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur’s Film Looks Slick