Influencer with 1.3 million followers dies by suicide in Chennai

V Harish, a 27-year-old social media influencer, was found dead in Chennai after alleged cyberbullying

CHENNAI: A 27-year-old financial consultant and social media influencer died by suicide after alleged cyberbullying, defamatory social media posts and repeated blocking of his online channels.

V Harish, who had 1.3 million followers on social media, was found hanging in his rented villa at Muttukadu, Chennai, on Tuesday. He had been posting content on finance and investments for the past five years.Police said his online channel was mass-reported and blocked in September, along with another social media account. He launched a new channel, which was also reported and blocked.Harish’s father J Vinayagam lodged a complaint with police alleging that Jason Samuel, another influencer, had subjected his son to sustained cyberbullying, defamatory posts and threats, causing severe mental distress.

According to the complaint, Samuel published videos and posts on Oct 18 accusing Harish of being a fraud and misleading the public.Vinayagam Harish recorded a video before his death, saying Samuel was responsible for his decision. In the video, Harish reportedly claimed that Samuel had threatened to get all his social media accounts blocked and prevent him from creating new ones.Samuel denied the allegations in a social media post. He said he had questioned Harish’s credentials and authorisation to provide financial advice.

Harish did not have SEBI’s registered investment adviser (RIA) licence and had misrepresented his registration with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), Samuel said, adding he never expected Harish to take such an extreme step.Vinayagam has asked police to examine the video recorded by his son before his death, preserve relevant digital evidence and investigate the circumstances surrounding the blocking of Harish’s accounts.Kanathur police have registered a case of unnatural death and are looking at statements of both the sides.

(Assistance for those having suicidal thoughts is available on TN’s health helpline 104 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.)