In the wake of 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.
WazirX Victims Protest Pi42’s Presence, Source: X
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 for Pi42.
Users, many of whom claim to be victims of the WazirX hack, argue that the promotion of Pi42 Exchange at IBW represents a conflict of interest and an affront to the millions of users whose assets are still trapped on the platform.
The sentiment is growing that Pi42 is indirectly benefiting from the WazirX hack, with user funds potentially funneled into supporting 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, labeling the exchange’s participation as a “scam” and a betrayal to those who lost their hard-earned money. Some are even accusing IBW of being part of a hack.
Users accusing IBW, Source: X
There is a growing call for #BoycottIBW and for individuals to make their voices heard by attending the event and protesting if necessary.
In response, some users have started accusing IBW organizers of enabling Pi42’s presence despite the controversy, with allegations that WazirX’s user funds are being used to promote companies like Pi42 while the company refuses to compensate its victims.
Nischal Shetty, also involved in WazirX’s operations, is now linked to Pi42 Exchange, raising further concerns about the platform’s legitimacy. Pi42’s participation in IBW is seen as an extension of WazirX’s broader failure to address the hack’s aftermath.
The protestors are urging IBW to reconsider its partnership with Pi42, calling it a moral responsibility to disassociate from any platform connected to the unresolved issues of the WazirX hack.
While IBW organizers have yet to comment on the situation, users continue to escalate their demands. With tickets to the event already on sale, the unfolding drama has raised questions about the event’s integrity and the role of corporate sponsorship in the blockchain community.
