Finance influencer V Harish died in Chennai, and police are now looking into his family’s cyberbullying claims. His father alleged that influencer Jason Samuel caused his son severe mental distress through threats. Samuel denied these claims, saying he only questioned Harish’s credentials. Kanathur police have registered a case of unnatural death.
His father, J Vinayagam, alleged in a police complaint that the accusations formed part of a campaign of cyberbullying, defamatory posts and threats that caused his son severe mental distress.
The complaint named Jason Samuel, another social media influencer, who had published videos and posts on October 18 allegedly accusing Harish of misleading the public.
Before his death, Harish recorded a video blaming Samuel for his decision, according to his father’s complaint. Harish reportedly said Samuel had threatened to have all his social media accounts blocked and prevent him from opening new ones.
Samuel denied the allegations in a social media post. He said he had questioned Harish’s credentials and his authorisation to provide financial advice.
Harish did not hold a Registered Investment Adviser licence from the Securities and Exchange Board of India and had misrepresented his registration with the Association of Mutual Funds in India, Samuel alleged. He said he had never expected Harish to die by suicide.
Police said Harish’s established channel was mass-reported and blocked in September, along with another social media account. His replacement channel was subsequently reported and blocked, police sources said.
Vinayagam has asked investigators to examine his son’s video, preserve relevant digital evidence and investigate the circumstances in which the accounts were blocked.
No suicide note was recovered. Harish’s body was taken to Chengalpattu Government Hospital for an autopsy.
Kanathur police have registered a case of unnatural death and are examining statements and allegations from both sides.