V Harish, a 27-year-old finance influencer who built a following of more than a million people through content on investments and personal finance, was found dead at a rented villa near Chennai on Tuesday. His death has triggered allegations of online harassment, threats and financial demands, which his family has urged the police to investigate.
Harish operated the social media brand Finance With Harish on Instagram and YouTube. In the days before his death, he became embroiled in a public dispute over his qualifications and authority to provide financial advice.
In a police complaint, his father accused Jason Samuel, CEO of venture studio Zemuria Inc., of cyberbullying his son through social media posts, videos and alleged threats. The complaint also alleges that ₹3 crore was demanded from Harish and that the name of the Puducherry Chief Minister was invoked to intimidate him.
These allegations have not been independently established, and Samuel has denied cyberbullying the influencer.
Family Alleges Online Harassment and Threats
According to the complaint, Samuel published social media posts and videos about Harish on October 18, accusing him of misleading the public. The content was allegedly circulated across Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, damaging the influencer’s reputation and causing him severe emotional distress.
Harish had amassed more than 1.3 million followers on Instagram through his finance-related content. His established account was subsequently disabled by Meta following the controversy. He then began posting videos through a new account, which was also taken down.
His father alleged that Samuel had threatened to block any new social media accounts Harish created and had also threatened to harm members of his family. The complaint further alleges that the name of the Puducherry Chief Minister and a local MLA was used to intimidate the influencer.
The family has asked the police to examine the alleged threats, the reported financial demand and the online content connected with the dispute.
Influencer Spoke About the Dispute Before His Death
In a video recorded before his death, Harish described the impact of the controversy on his work and reputation. He alleged that he had been threatened with legal action over income tax compliance and warned that he could face imprisonment or be forced to pay money.
“My hard work of the last five years was stolen,” Harish said in the video, describing what he alleged was mental harassment and intimidation.
He also claimed that the person threatening him had referred to having connections with the Puducherry Chief Minister.
“It’s not okay to defame someone,” Harish said, urging people to share the video and make his account of the dispute public.
His father has requested that investigators examine this recording, along with relevant social media posts, messages and other electronic evidence. He has also sought scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the suspension of Harish’s social media accounts and whether other individuals were involved.
Zemuria CEO Denies Cyberbullying Allegations
Jason Samuel denied cyberbullying Harish in a statement posted on X following the influencer’s death. He said his criticism had focused on Harish’s professional credentials and his authority to provide financial advice.
“I am deeply saddened, heavily grieving, shocked and frozen at what has happened and I mourn the loss of life,” Samuel wrote.
He alleged that Harish did not hold a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) licence from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and had misrepresented his registration with the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI).
Samuel further claimed that Harish had obtained his AMFI Registration Number (ARN) only recently. He said he had asked the influencer to obtain the appropriate SEBI licence before continuing to provide financial advice.
“I literally asked him in the video to come back and do this with a proper SEBI licence. I never intended or expected this drastic measure to happen and I mourn the loss,” Samuel added.
Samuel maintained that he had not anticipated such an outcome from the dispute and expressed grief over Harish’s death.
Police Investigation Underway
Kanathur police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Harish’s death and the allegations raised by his family.
The investigation is expected to examine the alleged threats, the reported demand for ₹3 crore, the social media exchanges between the individuals involved and the electronic evidence submitted by the family.
The allegations against Samuel remain subject to investigation, and his denial is part of the publicly reported account of the dispute. The circumstances leading to Harish’s death and the claims made by both sides will need to be established through the investigation.