The inaction of the Manipur government in addressing the massive fraud perpetrated by QNet, a controversial network marketing company, is both alarming and deeply disappointing. Over 2,000 victims have reportedly been duped, yet the government has remained silent, leaving those affected in financial despair and emotional turmoil. This inaction not only reflects poorly on governance but also raises troubling questions about accountability.
The Manipur QNet Fraud Victims’ Welfare Association has worked tirelessly to bring this issue to light. Their efforts included a press conference in mid-2023, exposing the fraudulent practices of QNet and its associates. Victims have submitted written complaints to the Cyber Crime Department and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), backed by substantial evidence such as chat transcripts, payment receipts, and names of alleged fraudsters. Yet, these efforts have yielded no meaningful response from the authorities.
Adding to this outrage, social media platforms are flooded with testimonies and videos of victims narrating their harrowing experiences. These accounts reveal how vulnerable individuals, including unemployed youth, residents of relief camps, and ordinary citizens, were lured with promises of lucrative returns and stable opportunities. Despite this overwhelming public outcry, the state government remains indifferent, turning a deaf ear to the plight of its citizens.
The modus operandi of QNet is not unfamiliar. Banned in multiple countries for running pyramid schemes, the company has faced legal action in various Indian states. Arrests and account freezes in these states demonstrate that legal measures against such scams are both feasible and effective. However, Manipur’s inertia starkly contrasts these proactive efforts, leaving its citizens to fend for themselves against a well-documented scam.
This indifference from the government raises critical questions about its priorities and commitment to justice. Why has there been no urgency to address a scam that has devastated thousands of lives? Why has Manipur failed to emulate other states where swift action has been taken against QNet? These unanswered questions underscore a governance failure that cannot be ignored.
The victims are not demanding the impossible; they seek justice and accountability. The government must act decisively by registering First Information Reports (FIRs), conducting thorough investigations, and holding the fraudsters accountable. Victims deserve to recover their losses, and awareness campaigns are urgently needed to prevent others from falling prey to similar schemes.
The role of the media and social platforms has been commendable in amplifying the voices of the victims. YouTube channels and Facebook pages have become platforms for exposing the extent of the scam. However, public awareness alone cannot substitute for government action. The administration’s failure to intervene risks eroding public trust and perpetuating the suffering of victims.
Manipur’s citizens deserve a government that safeguards their interests and acts against financial exploitation. The silence of the state is not just complicity; it is a betrayal of the trust placed in it by the people. The government must rise to the occasion and fulfill its responsibilities before more lives are irreparably harmed. Justice delayed is justice denied, and in this case, the delay is unforgivable.