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Jason Samuel arrested in Tamil Nadu abetment case

Investigators acted after V Harish, who posted as Finance with Harish, died by suicide near Chennai on October 20.

Police in Tamil Nadu arrested Jason Samuel on October 22, 2026, two days after 27-year-old V Harish died by suicide at a rented property near Chennai.

Harish had built an audience of more than 1.3 million Instagram followers under the Finance with Harish brand, where he posted investment tips and financial advice.

His father, J Vinayagam, told investigators that Samuel had repeatedly targeted Harish with defamatory videos, online harassment, and threats that left him in severe mental distress. Police registered a case under Section 108 of India’s Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which covers abetment of suicide.

Investigators said Samuel also attempted to extort money from Harish and published defamatory material about him, citing witness statements and documentary evidence in the decision to arrest him.

Days before Harish’s death, Samuel posted a YouTube video titled “Dark world of Finance Influencers” that questioned whether online finance personalities held required registration from the Securities and Exchange Board of India. Samuel said Harish had offered personalized investment recommendations without that registration.

On October 20 Samuel wrote on X that he had not cyber-bullied Harish. “I have not cyber-bullied him,” he wrote. “I literally asked him in the video to come back and do this with a proper SEBI license. I never intended or expected this drastic measure to happen and I mourn the loss.” He also said he had never contacted or threatened Harish.

Harish’s main Instagram account was disabled in September and a replacement account was later blocked. His father asked police to review a recording Harish made before his death about the alleged harassment.

Police said they intend to seek Samuel’s remand in judicial custody.