'If we are innocent...': UP potter selling Rs 2 clay pots slapped with Rs 1.25 crore GST notice

Despite trying many times, he could not get any financial help or start a business. (Image credit: Pexels)

• UP potter gets Rs 1.25 crore GST notice, suspects ID misuse
• Saeed claims lost PAN, Aadhaar used for fake firms in Patna
• Family seeks probe, appeals for justice from local authorities

Did our AI summary help?

A daily-wage potter from Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli has left shocked after receiving a Goods and Services Tax (GST) notice of Rs 1.25 crore. Mohammad Saeed, who survives by selling inexpensive clay pots near Harchandpur in Rae Bareli, says he has never owned or operated any company, contrary to what the notice claims. He believes his PAN and Aadhaar details may have been misused to carry out fraudulent activities in his name.

Saeed, the sole breadwinner for his family of five, earns his livelihood by selling earthen pots. He said the GST notice associates him with four firms reportedly operating in Patna.

Saeed said that several years ago a villager helped him obtain a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card and Aadhaar card for the surpose of securing a lon. to apply for a loan.

He never received the loan and later lost the documents. Despite repeated attempts, he could neither secure financial assistance nor start any business.

He did not receive the loan and eventually lost the documents. Despite making repeated attempts, he is unable to obtain financial help or start any business.

He believes the lost documents were later used to set up fake companies in his name.

"We came to know that four companies are running in Patna in my name. A huge fraud has happened with us," he said, adding that he did not know of any such entities.

The first GST notice reportedly arrived six to seven months ago during Navratri. Because the family is illiterate, they did not have it read and failed to understand its seriousness.

“We were negligent and did not have the notice read by anyone,” Saeed admitted. However, when a second notice arrived on February 15, the family sought assistance to understand its contents. It was then that they discovered an alleged tax liability exceeding Rs 1.25 crore.

“The entire family was stunned,” he said. “If we have committed any fraud, then punish us like criminals. But if we are innocent, please send this notice back to where it belongs.”

Saeed’s elder son, Farid, 20, and younger son, Mana, 18, help him with pottery work, while his daughters assist with household responsibilities.

The family says they cannot comprehend how such an enormous tax demand could be issued against a man who sells clay items for as little as Rs 2 each.

Deeply distressed, Saeed and his relatives approached the District Magistrate’s office, requesting intervention and a thorough investigation into the alleged misuse of his identification documents.

Local authorities have not yet issued an official statement. Meanwhile, Saeed waits anxiously, hoping officials will examine his claims and clear his name. He says he seeks nothing more than justice and a fair inquiry.