Finance influencer V Harish, 27, died by suicide near Chennai after a public dispute over his financial-advice credentials. His father has accused tech CEO Jason Samuel of cyberbullying and threats; Samuel denies the allegations. 

Death Follows Public Dispute:

Harish, who ran the “Finance With Harish” brand on Instagram and YouTube, had built an audience of more than a million followers over five years. His father, J Vinayagam, told police that online posts and videos targeting Harish caused severe mental distress. The family has asked investigators to examine a video Harish recorded before his death, along with messages and other digital evidence.

Father Alleges Threats and ₹3 Crore Demand:

Vinayagam’s complaint names Samuel, CEO of venture studio Zemuria Inc. It alleges Samuel published posts on October 18 accusing Harish of misleading the public, threatened to block his social media accounts and harm his family, and demanded ₹3 crore. The father also alleges Samuel invoked the names of the Puducherry Chief Minister and an MLA while threatening his son. These claims have not been independently established. 

Accounts, Credentials and Competing Claims:

In his recorded video, Harish said he faced mental harassment and threats involving income-tax action, jail and demands for money. His established Instagram account had been disabled, and a replacement account was also taken down, according to reports. Samuel denied cyberbullying him, saying his criticism concerned Harish’s authority to offer financial advice. He alleged Harish lacked a SEBI Registered Investment Adviser licence and had misrepresented his AMFI registration, which Samuel said had been obtained only recently. 

Police Probe Underway:

Samuel said he was shocked by Harish’s death and had not expected the dispute to have such an outcome. Kanathur police are investigating the death and the family’s allegations. Harish’s father has asked police to review the recorded video, social media posts and account suspensions as part of the inquiry.