He never misses a chance to lecture the nation. He questions the Prime Minister, ridicules government policies, and postures as a fearless voice of truth on social media. But when it comes to his own backyard, pro-Congress and DMK simp actor Prakash Raj seems to have a lot to answer for — and very little to say.
From illegal land encroachments in the eco-sensitive Kodaikanal hills to his name surfacing in a ₹100-crore Ponzi scam and now a betting app racket under ED scanner — the so-called conscience-keeper of the nation is drowning in allegations.
While he’s quick to tweet #JustAsking at the BJP, today the nation is flipping the script.
Scam #1: Encroachment In Kodaikanal Hills
One of the major controversies dogging Prakash Raj involves illegal construction and encroachment in the scenic Kodaikanal Hills.
In August 2023, at a farmers’ grievance meeting, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh State Secretary Asokan accused Raj of illegally building a house exceeding the 600 sq. ft limit without proper permissions. The structure, located near the Pethuparai Aravi Waterfall, allegedly encroached on the Varangatu stream and obstructed a public road used by local farmers. Reports claim Raj had even erected a solar electric fence, limiting access at night and preventing farmers from reaching their fields or safeguarding crops from wild animals.
The Vilpatti Panchayat President, Bhagyalakshmi, confirmed that a notice had been issued over the unauthorized construction. Raj reportedly claimed he had applied for permissions online. Kodaikanal District Development Officer Prabhakaran and Tehsildar Karthikeyan acknowledged ongoing complaints and stated that further action would be taken after proper investigation and measurement.
In a related matter, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, in January 2024, sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government following a petition by Muhammad Junaid of Dindigul. The plea alleged that Prakash Raj and fellow actor Bobby Simha had encroached on government land to build luxury homes without necessary municipal permissions, using heavy equipment to alter the terrain.
Critics have accused Raj of benefiting from his proximity to the DMK-led government, suggesting that while ordinary citizens face demolitions, politically aligned public figures enjoy impunity.
Scam #2: ₹100-Crore Ponzi Scheme Link – Pranav Jewellers
The second serious charge against Prakash Raj ties him to Pranav Jewellers, a Tiruchirapalli-based jewellery firm at the center of a ₹100 crore fraud and money laundering case. Raj had served as brand ambassador for the company for several years.
The ED raided Pranav Jewellers’ offices on 20 November 2023, seizing ₹23.7 lakh in cash and gold jewellery. The firm is accused of defrauding thousands of investors through an elaborate gold investment scheme, promising high returns and offering bonuses for investments above ₹5 lakh.
Complaints surfaced when promised interest payments were not made. The situation worsened on 17 October 2023, when multiple showrooms, including those in Chennai, Madurai, Erode, Kumbakonam, and Puducherry, shut down unexpectedly. Investors could not reach the company owners, prompting mass protests and a police intervention.
The ED has since summoned Prakash Raj to appear before officials in Chennai, seeking clarification on payments received from Pranav Jewellers and financial transactions tied to the brand’s alleged scam.
In what many interpreted as a cryptic response to the summons, Raj posted “#KhelaHobe 💪💪💪 #justasking” on X (formerly Twitter), further fueling online debates over his perceived political bias and moral grandstanding.
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) November 23, 2023
Scam #3: Promoting Illegal Betting Apps For Money
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against 29 individuals including Prakash Raj for allegedly promoting illegal online betting applications. Many of these platforms reportedly posed as skill-based gaming apps but allegedly facilitated illegal gambling activities.
According to investigators, the individuals allegedly received substantial financial compensation for endorsing these apps. Some promotions were reportedly masked as entertainment or social service initiatives, prompting backlash and formal complaints. One complainant alleged a loss exceeding ₹3 crore after acting on YouTube advertisements featuring some of the named personalities.
#JustAsking Backlash
The allegations have given fresh ammunition to critics of Prakash Raj. While he has often used his platform to question BJP policies, many now question his silence on issues involving his own name is being linked to financial scandals. As the ED investigation unfolds, we’re #JustAsking, will Prakash Raj first introspect himself before talking about saving the nation?
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