New Delhi: In an incident that highlighted the risks associated with sharing personal information in the job market, a zari worker from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, found himself entangled in a complex web of fraud that culminated in a staggering tax notice of Rs 232 crore.
Phool Mian, a dedicated zari worker hailing from Kumhi Tola, was one of many individuals grappling with the financial uncertainties that plagued India in 2018. With dreams of securing stable employment and providing for his family, he turned to Guddu Sundar, a local acquaintance who had previously worked overseas in Dubai. Mian believed Guddu could help him find a suitable job.
Trusting Guddu’s assurances, Mian handed over several critical personal documents, including his Aadhar and PAN cards. This act of trust would soon unravel into a nightmare, as Guddu and his associates—Nanhe (also known as Suhail) and Asif Khan—had other plans for Mian’s identity.
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For some time, Mian waited anxiously for news about potential job opportunities. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe in early 2020, job prospects evaporated. Mian’s inquiries about employment were met with vague responses and evasions from Guddu and his associates, leaving him increasingly frustrated and worried.
As the months turned into years, Mian’s hopes began to fade. He had entrusted his personal documents to individuals who had seemingly vanished into thin air, and he was left with little recourse to reclaim them or his dreams of employment.
On February 5, 2023, Mian’s world was turned upside down when he received a notice from the Income Tax Department. The document stated that he was the purported owner of a fictitious company named HI Cloud Impex. To his horror, the company was implicated in financial transactions amounting to Rs 232 crore, resulting in tax liabilities that were beyond comprehension.
Mian’s heart sank as he read the notice; the gravity of the situation began to dawn on him. How could this happen? He had never registered a company or engaged in any business activities. The realisation struck him like a bolt of lightning, his personal documents had been misused.
Determined to get to the bottom of this shocking situation, Mian sought out Guddu and Nanhe. When confronted about the fraudulent activities linked to his name, they initially appeared remorseful. They admitted to registering HI Cloud Impex using Mian’s personal documents but promised they would resolve the issue swiftly.
However, as days turned into weeks without any resolution, their demeanour shifted dramatically. Guddu and Nanhe began to issue threats against Mian, warning him to stay silent or face dire consequences. This intimidation only served to heighten Mian’s fears and sense of helplessness.
Desperate and feeling cornered, Phool Mian decided to take action. He filed a formal complaint with the local police, detailing the entire sequence of events and the fraudulent use of his personal information. The police took his complaint seriously and initiated an investigation under the supervision of CO City (Second).
As authorities delved deeper into the case, they uncovered alarming details about how Mian’s identity had been exploited. The investigation revealed a broader network of fraud that extended beyond just Mian’s case. It appeared that Guddu and his associates had been involved in multiple instances of identity theft and financial scams, targeting other unsuspecting individuals who were simply trying to secure employment.
