In a startling case of identity theft and fraud, a zari artisan from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, who earns just Rs 400 to Rs 500 a day, has received an income tax notice for arrears amounting to Rs 114 crore. The artisan, Phool Mian, was stunned to discover that his name had been used to register a fraudulent firm in Delhi, which recorded a staggering turnover of Rs 232 crore over five years.
Phool Mian, a resident of Kangi Tola in Bareilly, became entangled in this fraud in 2018 after meeting a local man named Guddu Sundar, also known as Uwais. Guddu, who was known for helping people secure jobs abroad, introduced Phool Mian to another individual named Nanhe, alias Suhail. Under the pretense of arranging employment overseas, Nanhe and Guddu convinced Phool Mian to hand over essential documents, including his Aadhaar and PAN cards, and coerced him into signing paperwork. These documents were later used to establish a fake company in his name, which generated crores in illegal turnover.
The Income Tax Department issued the notice to Phool Mian earlier this year, leading him to contact the local police. SP City, Manush Parik, has confirmed that the case is a severe instance of fraud, with a bogus firm created using Phool Mian's identity. The culprits then used this firm to generate a two-billion-rupee turnover, leaving the unsuspecting artisan to face the consequences.
A police investigation is underway, and a case has been registered against the primary accused, including Guddu alias Uwais, Nanhe alias Suhail, and Asif Khan alias Abdul Razzaq, a resident of Delhi. The charges include fraud, forgery, and the creation of fake documents. Authorities have assured that all involved will be brought to justice, and further arrests will be made if additional suspects are uncovered.
The incident has raised concerns about the misuse of identity documents and the growing menace of fraudulent schemes targeting vulnerable individuals. Law enforcement officials are committed to resolving the case swiftly and ensuring strict action against those responsible.
CAclubindia
