Archive · 19 Sep 2026
CBI Registers Criminal Cases Against QNet After Student Suicide
The CBI has opened criminal cases involving QNet and several other people.
The case began after a student named Badugu Harikrishna died by suicide.
Investigators said he had lost Rs 4 lakh.
He had borrowed money and invested it in betting apps, gaming platforms, and QNet.
Loan-app operators allegedly harassed him with abusive calls and altered photographs.
The Telangana Crime Investigation Department first investigated the case.
The state government then gave the investigation to the CBI because it involved several states.
The CBI will now investigate whether a larger group targeted vulnerable young people.
The CBI’s Hyderabad Anti-Corruption Branch registered criminal cases against QNet, Vihaan Direct Selling India, and 13 individuals.
The case began at Gauraram police station in Siddipet after B Tech graduate Badugu Harikrishna died by suicide.
Investigators said Harikrishna lost Rs 4 lakh after borrowing money to invest in betting apps, gaming platforms, and QNet.
The CBI will examine alleged loan-app harassment involving abusive calls and morphed photographs.
The investigation was transferred from the Telangana Crime Investigation Department because of suspected interstate links and a wider youth-targeting syndicate.
- Who
- The Central Bureau of Investigation, QNet, Vihaan Direct Selling India Private Limited, 13 named individuals, and the Telangana Crime Investigation Department are involved in the case; the case originated after the death of Badugu Harikrishna.
- What
- The CBI registered criminal cases over alleged fraudulent investment schemes, loan-app harassment, and the alleged duping of students and youth.
- When
- Badugu Harikrishna died by suicide on October 9, 2025; the date of the CBI case registration is not stated.
- Where
- The case originated at Gauraram police station in Siddipet, Telangana, and was registered by the CBI Anti-Corruption Branch in Hyderabad.
- Why
- The investigation was transferred to the CBI after investigators found suspected interstate links and sought to examine a broader syndicate allegedly targeting vulnerable youth.
- Investigating agency
- Central Bureau of Investigation Anti-Corruption Branch, Hyderabad
- Primary company named
- QNet
- Other company named
- Vihaan Direct Selling India Private Limited
- Reported financial loss
- Rs 4 lakh
- Deceased
- Badugu Harikrishna, a B Tech graduate from Velur village
- Date of death
- October 9, 2025
- Initial investigating agency
- Telangana Crime Investigation Department