A daily wage potter from Raebareli has been left devastated after receiving a GST notice demanding Rs 1.25 crore, an amount far beyond his lifetime earnings.
Mohammad Saeed, who survives by selling earthen pots and kulhars, claims his PAN and Aadhaar details were misused to create fake firms without his knowledge, linking him to alleged business activities in Patna.
A Livelihood Built on Pennies
Saeed, a resident near Harchandpur, supports a family of five through traditional pottery work. His daily earnings are modest, often limited to a few rupees earned from selling clay items to local vendors and hotels.
"We are poor people who survive on a few pennies. We make earthen pots and sell kulhars. We earn Rs 10-Rs 20 per hundred in hotels. That is how our family runs," he said.
The family's income barely covers daily needs, making the massive tax demand incomprehensible.
Alleged Identity Misuse
According to Saeed, years ago, he obtained a Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Aadhaar card with help from a villager while trying to secure a loan.
He never received the loan and later lost the documents. He now suspects those documents were misused to create fake companies.
"We came to know that four companies are running in Patna in my name. A huge fraud has happened with us," he said.
The GST notice reportedly links him to four firms allegedly operating from the Bihar capital, something he says he has no knowledge of.
Notices Ignored Due to Illiteracy
The first notice reportedly arrived six to seven months ago during Navratri. Due to illiteracy and lack of awareness, the family did not understand its contents or seriousness.
However, when another notice arrived on February 15, they sought help to read it and were shocked to learn about the alleged tax liability exceeding Rs 1.25 crore.
"After that, the whole family was shocked," Saeed said. "If you find that we have done any fraud, then punish us like a thief. But if not, please return this to where it came from."
Family in Distress
Saeed's elder son Farid, 20, and younger son, Mana, 18, assist him in pottery work, while his daughters help with household chores.
The family says they are struggling to understand how such a huge tax demand could be issued against someone selling clay items for as little as Rs 2 apiece.
Appeal for Investigation
Distressed by the situation, Saeed and his relatives approached the District Magistrate's office seeking intervention and a thorough investigation into the alleged misuse of his identity documents.
Local officials have not yet issued any formal statement on the matter.
Larger Issue of Identity Fraud
The case highlights growing concerns around identity misuse and fake firm registrations, where individuals from economically weaker backgrounds may unknowingly become victims of financial fraud due to the misuse of PAN and Aadhaar details.
Experts say stronger verification and awareness are critical to prevent such incidents.
Conclusion
As he waits for authorities to verify his claims, Mohammad Saeed says all he wants is justice and a fair investigation. For a family surviving on daily earnings, the Rs 1.25 crore notice is not just a financial shock, it is a crisis threatening their dignity and livelihood.
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