World · South & Central Asia · 8 hrs ago
YouTuber arrested after Indian finance influencer Harish dies by suicide
Police in India arrested YouTuber Jason Samuel in connection with the death of finance influencer Harish, who died by suicide on 20 October.
Harish had built a large following with videos explaining finance and investing, including more than 1.3 million Instagram followers.
Harish’s father accused Samuel’s online posts and cyberbullying of contributing to his son’s death, and police registered a case of abetment to suicide.
Samuel had questioned Harish’s professional credentials in a YouTube video after Instagram removed Harish’s account following complaints about his registration.
Samuel denies cyberbullying Harish and says he raised concerns about Harish’s credentials in the consumer interest.
Police say preliminary investigations found a role for Samuel in the case, and he is due to be produced before a court and sent to judicial custody.
The case matters because it raises questions about online harassment and the rules governing people who give investment advice.
Police in Tamil Nadu arrested social media influencer Jason Samuel Vijayakumar in connection with the death of finance influencer and YouTuber Harish.
Harish died by suicide on October 20, 2026, police said.
Police registered a case of abetment to suicide after Harish’s father, J. Vinayagam, filed a complaint naming Samuel.
Vinayagam alleges that cyberbullying, defamatory posts and repeated blocking of Harish’s channels contributed to his death.
Samuel denies cyberbullying Harish and says he raised concerns about Harish’s financial-advice credentials in the consumer interest.
- Who
- Jason Samuel Vijayakumar was arrested in connection with the death of Harish, a finance influencer and YouTuber.
- What
- Police arrested Samuel and registered a case of abetment to suicide.
- When
- Harish died on October 20, 2026. Samuel was arrested on October 22.
- Where
- Kanathur, near Chennai, India.
- Why
- Harish’s father accused Samuel and others of defamatory posts and cyberbullying. Samuel denies cyberbullying and says he questioned Harish’s credentials.
Harish’s father, J. Vinayagam
Jason Samuel Vijayakumar
Cause of death
Harish’s father, J. Vinayagam
Vinayagam alleges that cyberbullying, defamatory posts and repeated blocking of Harish’s channels contributed to his son’s suicide.
Jason Samuel Vijayakumar
Samuel rejects the allegation that he cyber-bullied Harish.
Samuel’s video
Harish’s father, J. Vinayagam
Vinayagam says the video and related online activity triggered severe harassment and mental distress.
Jason Samuel Vijayakumar
Samuel says he raised concerns about Harish’s credentials and was acting in the consumer interest.
Harish began posting videos about finance and investing.
Meta took down Harish’s Instagram page after complaints that he was not registered with India’s market regulator.
Samuel posted a YouTube video questioning Harish’s credentials and noting that his Instagram account had been disabled.
Harish died by suicide, police said.
Kanathur police arrested Samuel after registering a case of abetment to suicide based on Harish’s father’s complaint.
- Arrested person
- Jason Samuel Vijayakumar
- Deceased
- Harish, a finance influencer and YouTuber
- Date of death
- October 20, 2026
- Police station
- Kanathur police station, near Chennai
- Case registered
- Abetment to suicide
3 sources
What people are saying
We demand that a proper investigation be conducted and legal action be taken against Jason Samuel and his accomplices, who spread defamation on social media and caused mental distress through cyberbullying
I have not cyber-bullied him. I pointed out his lack of licence and authority, misrepresentation of licence and fraud... his illegal activity.
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