Manipur’s QNet Scandal: Victims Demand Justice, Government Stays Quiet

The Manipur government's silence over the massive fraud linked to QNet, a controversial network marketing company, has left over 2,000 victims in financial and emotional distress. Despite mounting evidence and public outcry, no substantial action has been taken, raising serious concerns about governance and accountability.
Victims Seek Justice Amid Government Inaction
The Manipur QNet Fraud Victims’ Welfare Association has tirelessly brought attention to the issue. In mid-2023, they held a press conference highlighting the deceptive practices of QNet and its associates. Victims have submitted detailed complaints to the Cyber Crime Department and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), including chat transcripts, payment receipts, and the names of alleged fraudsters. Despite their efforts, the authorities have failed to respond effectively.
Social media has amplified the victims’ voices, with numerous testimonies and videos detailing the deceit. Vulnerable individuals, including unemployed youth and residents of relief camps, were reportedly lured into the scam with false promises of financial stability and lucrative returns. Yet, the state government has remained unresponsive, deepening the victims' despair.
QNet’s History of Fraudulent Practices
QNet has a well-documented history of running pyramid schemes, leading to bans in multiple countries. In India, several states have acted decisively against the company, resulting in arrests and freezing of assets. Manipur’s lack of action stands in stark contrast, leaving its citizens to deal with the consequences of this widespread fraud on their own.
Questions Raised About Governance and Accountability
The government’s inaction raises critical questions: Why hasn’t there been an urgency to address a scam that has devastated thousands of lives? Why hasn’t Manipur followed the proactive measures taken by other states? These unanswered questions point to a significant governance failure, eroding public trust and highlighting a lack of accountability.
The Way Forward: Justice and Prevention
Victims are demanding immediate government intervention to register First Information Reports (FIRs), conduct thorough investigations, and hold the perpetrators accountable. Compensation for the victims and robust awareness campaigns are also essential to prevent others from falling prey to similar schemes.
While the media and social platforms have played a commendable role in exposing the scam, their efforts alone are insufficient. It is imperative for the government to take swift and decisive action to restore public trust and ensure justice.