Disabled Fruit Seller Shocked After Learning a Firm Was Registered in His Name in Suspected Rs 83 Crore GST Fraud:

A suspected GST fraud involving around Rs 83 crore has come to light in Kanpur after a firm was allegedly registered in the name of a disabled man who earns his living by selling fruit from a roadside cart.

The case came to light during a GST investigation into several firms in Kanpur. Officials found that a suspected firm in the city had carried out major transactions with another company registered in Faridabad. This led investigators to check the details of the Faridabad-based firm.

During the investigation, officials found that the Faridabad firm was registered in the name of a disabled fruit seller from Khairgarh. Government records showed large financial transactions and GST activities in his name.

However, when the Kanpur Crime Branch reached his address, investigators found him living in a small and poorly maintained house. They also learned that he earns his livelihood by selling fruit from a roadside cart.

Police suspect that the man’s identity documents may have been misused to register and operate the firm. The man told investigators that he had no knowledge of the company or the business transactions being carried out in his name.

According to the investigation by the state tax department, around Rs 83 crore in input tax credit (ITC) may have been fraudulently claimed through the suspected firm.

An FIR was registered at Kalyanpur police station in Kanpur on June 14 following a complaint by a state tax officer. The case has been registered against the proprietor of KT Traders.

The tax department had earlier sent notices to the firm at its registered address and to people linked to its registration. However, when there was no response, the investigation was stepped up and the Crime Branch became involved.

Investigators are now checking bank accounts, GST records, company documents and financial transactions to find out who actually operated the firm and who benefited from the alleged fraudulent ITC claims.

The man told investigators that he became disabled after an accident around eight years ago. Since then, he has been supporting his family by selling fruit from a cart. He said he was unaware that a firm had been registered using his name and documents.

The Crime Branch has summoned him to its Kanpur office to record his statement and verify his identity documents, bank details and other records.

Investigators are now trying to find out how his documents were obtained, who used them to register the firm and who was actually behind the alleged Rs 83 crore GST fraud. Further action will be taken based on the evidence collected during the investigation.