Student suicide: CBI registers criminal cases against QNet
In Short
The CBI has registered criminal cases against QNet and 13 others following a student's suicide linked to betting app fraud and predatory loan apps in Telangana. Read the full investigation report.
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Student suicide: CBI registers criminal cases against QNet
Hyderabad: In a major development regarding betting app fraud, the Central Bureau of Investigation Anti Corruption Branch in Hyderabad registered criminal cases against QNet and 13 others for duping innocent students and youth. The case originated at Gauraram police station in Siddipet following the suicide of Badugu Harikrishna, a resident of Velur village, who was defrauded of Rs 4 lakh.
After initial investigation by the Telangana Crime Investigation Department revealed widespread interstate linkages, the state government formally handed over the probe to the CBI, prompting CID officials to transfer all FIR documents, case progress records, and accused details.
The CBI booked QNet, Vihaan Direct Selling India Private Limited, and key individuals, including Directors Dilipraj Pukkela and Mohammad Imthiaz. Other accused named in the case include Thodupunuri Subodh Kumar, Gundebona Divya Swaroop, Pabba Mamtha, Kankanalapally Divya, Dharmaraju Arvan, Kohnir Vineeth Kumar, Anumolu Bhanu Prakash, Uppala Alekhya, Kalvala Manikanta Reddy, Gundeboina Srinivas Rao, Dharamaraju Ramachander Rao, and Pabba Uma Shankar.
According to investigators, Harikrishna, a B Tech graduate, borrowed funds from Instant loan applications to invest in betting apps, gaming platforms, and QNet. Facing devastating financial losses, he died by suicide on October 9, 2025, at his home. The CBI investigation will focus on severe mental harassment inflicted by loan app operators through abusive calls and morphed photographs, alongside fraudulent investment schemes run by betting applications and QNet. The central agency aims to uncover the broader syndicate targeting vulnerable youth across multiple states.
