A major case of alleged financial fraud has surfaced from the Robertsganj area of Sonbhadra district, where a poor labourer’s identity was reportedly misused to run a fake firm involving transactions worth crores of rupees. The victim has also alleged tax evasion and threats, following which a police case has been registered and an investigation has begun.
According to the complainant Shivdhani, he earns his livelihood through daily wage labour and has been struggling with financial hardship. Around eight years ago, a man named Ajay Patel allegedly approached him at his home and lured him with the promise of work in an old battery business. He was later employed at a monthly wage of around ₹8,000.
The victim has alleged that in July 2020, the accused took advantage of his trust and got bank accounts opened in his name at Kotak Mahindra Bank and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank. A mobile SIM was also allegedly issued in his name. His Aadhaar card, PAN card, passbook, and cheque book were taken into possession by the accused. It is further alleged that he was made to sign blank cheque leaves under pressure.
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Crores in Fake Transactions: The Hidden Operation
During the financial years 2020–21, 2021–22, and 2022–23, large-scale business transactions were shown under his name, while in reality he continued working only as a labourer. The alleged firm was shut down in 2023.
The matter came to light only when income tax notices started arriving at the victim’s residence between November and December 2025. Initially, he approached the accused, who allegedly assured him that the issue would be resolved and instructed him not to disclose his name. However, continued notices prompted the victim to investigate further, leading to the discovery that a firm named “Shiva Trading” had been registered in his name and was linked to crores of rupees in transactions.
Threats and Police Action Unfold
The victim has also alleged that when he visited the accused’s residence, he was not found there. Later, during a phone conversation, the accused allegedly abused him and issued death threats, leaving the victim and his family in fear.
Preliminary findings suggest that the firm’s transactions may have been structured to evade GST and income tax obligations. Authorities are now examining bank records, financial statements, and registration documents to verify the scale of the alleged fraud. Investigators are also probing whether other individuals were part of the suspected network.
Police officials stated that the case has been registered under charges of fraud, forgery, and criminal intimidation, and a detailed investigation is underway.
The victim has demanded cancellation of all transactions carried out in his name and strict action against those involved. The incident has also sparked concern in the local area over the misuse of personal identity documents for financial crimes. Further investigation is in progress.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
