Kanpur: A Kanpur-based startup has accused a Chennai IT firm of serious financial and technical fraud involving alleged unauthorized server access and billing manipulation amounting to nearly ₹21 lakh. A case has been registered based on the complaint, and an investigation is currently underway.
According to the complaint filed by Dinesh Srivastava, CEO of DSGRP Management Private Limited, the firm provides digital platforms to support startups and nurture young talent. The company relies on third-party technology services to run its applications and manage data operations.
Fake Identities and Platform Integration Under Scanner
Srivastava has alleged that officials of Chennai-based Shakunaya Solution Private Limited, identified as Hemaram Shakunaya and Sandeep Shakunaya, created a fake email ID in his name as part of a planned conspiracy. Using this forged identity, an account was allegedly set up on Agora Inc., a platform offering AI and API-based services. These services were then linked to DSGRP’s original application without authorization.
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The complainant claims that through this process, the accused gained unauthorized access to the company’s servers and data, gradually establishing control over its digital infrastructure. The role of an Agora Inc. official, Akshay Kode, has also been questioned, with allegations of collusion in asserting control over the server ecosystem.
Billing Irregularities and Payment Diversion
Billing discrepancies form a key part of the complaint. Srivastava stated that until June 2025, invoices issued reflected DSGRP Management Private Limited as the primary party. However, subsequent invoices reportedly listed “DS Live Care of Shakunaya Solution Private Limited” as the primary entity. The complainant has termed these invoices as fabricated and unauthorized.
It has further been alleged that payments totaling approximately ₹21 lakh were made to Shakunaya Solution by September 2025. However, the amount was not transferred to the concerned AI platform, leading to financial losses and disruption in technical services for the Kanpur-based startup.
The complaint also points to similarities in data usage patterns with another application named “Voxy Meet,” which is said to have been developed by the accused firm. When these similarities were questioned, the server linked to the application was allegedly shut down, raising concerns over destruction of potential digital evidence.
Digital Evidence and Wider Concerns
Srivastava has additionally claimed that a similar modus operandi was used in a separate case involving another entrepreneur, Arun Saxena, associated with a platform named “Bolo India.” Authorities are expected to examine this aspect as part of a broader probe.
With the case now registered, investigators are focusing on digital trails, server logs, and financial transactions to establish the sequence of events. The case highlights growing concerns around reliance on third-party technology providers in the startup ecosystem, where lack of due diligence and legal safeguards can expose firms to significant risks.
Experts believe the incident underscores the need for stricter compliance, transparent billing practices, and robust data access controls in digital collaborations. As the investigation progresses, attention remains on whether the alleged fraud was an isolated incident or part of a larger pattern targeting emerging startups.
