Following the WazirX hack, a growing number of users are demanding that the Pi42 Exchange be removed from the India Blockchain Week (IBW) event, scheduled for December 4-5, 2024 in Bangalore.
The controversy stems from the involvement of Nischal Shetty, co-founder of Pi42 Exchange, and the fact that Mahin Gupta, former security partner of WazirX and CEO of Liminal, was also an advisor to Pi42.
Users, many of whom claim to be victims of the WazirX hack, claim that IBW’s promotion of Pi42 Exchange represents a conflict of interest and an affront to the millions of users whose assets are still trapped on the platform.
Sense is growing that Pi42 is indirectly benefiting from the WazirX hack, with user funds potentially being funneled to support the exchange’s sponsorship of IBW.
As part of the campaign, users are flooding social media with demands for IBW to revoke Pi42’s sponsorship, calling participation in the exchange a “scam” and a betrayal of those who have lost their hard-earned money. Some even accuse IBW of being part of a hack.
There is a growing call to #BoycottIBW and for individuals to make their voices heard by attending the event and protesting if necessary.
In response, some users began accusing IBW organizers of allowing Pi42’s presence despite the controversy, with allegations that WazirX users’ funds were being used to promote companies like Pi42 while the company refused to compensate its victims.
Nischal Shetty, also involved in WazirX operations, is now linked to Pi42 Exchange, raising further concerns about the legitimacy of the platform. Pi42’s participation in IBW is seen as an extension of WazirX’s broader failure to deal with the consequences of the hack.
Protesters are urging IBW to reconsider its partnership with Pi42, calling it a moral responsibility to disassociate itself from any platform linked to the unresolved issues of the WazirX hack.
Although IBW organizers have yet to comment on the situation, users continue to escalate their demands. With tickets for the event already on sale, the unfolding drama has raised questions about the integrity of the event and the role of corporate sponsorship in the blockchain community.
Also Read: WazirX Failed to Provide Live POR, Users Disappointed