Sri Vijaya Puram, November 5: Police have appealed to investors who joined QNET and Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Pvt. Ltd. in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to come forward with details of their investments as an investigation into alleged financial fraud gathers pace, with authorities seeking to identify all affected persons, establish the total amount collected and trace the movement of funds.
The appeal follows the registration of FIR No. 73/2026, dated October 14, at the Police Station Crime and Economic Offences, Sri Vijaya Puram, under Sections 318(4) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, read with Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978. The investigation is currently underway.
According to the police, preliminary findings indicate that representatives associated with QNET and Vihaan allegedly approached members of the public across the islands, persuading them to join the business with assurances of regular or weekly income, commissions and high returns. Investors were allegedly encouraged to purchase products and introduce new members into the network in anticipation of financial benefits.
The amount reportedly collected from individual investors was substantial, with some complainants stating that they paid approximately ₹3.50 lakh to join the scheme. Although certain products were supplied against the payments, investors have questioned their value in relation to the money paid. Several complainants have also stated that the promised weekly returns never materialised and that attempts to secure refunds were unsuccessful.
Complaint points to wider network
The case originated from a joint complaint submitted by Sabita Biswas of Austinabad and R. Sudhakar Rao of Bambooflat. The complaint, received on October 5, was addressed to the Lieutenant Governor at Lok Niwas, with copies sent to the Crime and Economic Offences Police Station and other police stations in South Andaman.
The complainants alleged that promotional meetings were held at hotels and other locations in and around Sri Vijaya Puram, while prospective investors were contacted through telephone calls and invited to join the business. They further alleged that the persons promoting the scheme did not appear to maintain a permanent office in the capital.
The complainants estimated that around 200 or more people in Sri Vijaya Puram and neighbouring areas may have invested money in the scheme. This figure has not been independently verified by police and the actual number of affected investors is yet to be established.
They also alleged that some investors who sought refunds were threatened or intimidated. The complaint sought an investigation into the collection of funds, identification of other investors, appropriate legal action and steps towards recovery of the money, wherever permissible under law.
Similar case reported
The latest investigation comes amid other allegations of investment-related fraud reported in the islands. The Wave Andaman reported in October on a separate case involving an investment scheme associated with JB.COM and Metalloids Technology Pvt. Ltd., in which police sought investor records to investigate allegations of losses exceeding ₹80 lakh.
That case, registered under a separate FIR, involved allegations that investors were attracted by promises of monthly returns of 15 to 20 per cent before payments reportedly stopped. Police sought financial documents to verify claims and establish the extent of the alleged losses. The JB.COM investigation is separate from the QNET-Vihaan case, and no connection between the two has been established.
Police invite investors
As part of the ongoing investigation, police have asked all investors and other persons possessing relevant information about QNET, Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Pvt. Ltd. and associated marketing schemes to appear before the Investigating Officer at the Police Station Crime and Economic Offences, CID Office, opposite Police Gurudwara, Sri Vijaya Puram.
The verification exercise is scheduled from November 4 to November 20, 2026, between 9.30 am and 5.30 pm.
Investors have been asked to bring Fund Receipt Certificates or bonds issued by Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Pvt. Ltd., bank statements, payment receipts, transaction details, communications and other supporting documents that can establish their investments.
The documents and information will help investigators identify additional complainants, verify the amounts paid, examine the roles of those involved and trace the movement of money.
Investors and others with relevant information may contact Assistant Sub-Inspector Mohd. Rafique, Investigating Officer, at 9476092160, or Inspector D. Jagidhswar Rao, Station House Officer, Police Station Crime and Economic Offences, CID, at 9474290250.
Police have urged affected persons to cooperate with the investigation and provide accurate information. The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against the named individuals have not been established in court.
