In a startling case that underscores the deepening crisis of identity theft in India, a humble barber from Sirsa has found himself at the center of a suspected financial fraud after receiving an income tax notice amounting to a staggering Rs 37.87 crore—despite earning just Rs 350 to Rs 450 per day.
Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Ali Mohammad village in Sirsa, has been running a modest barber shop near the Dera Sacha Sauda sect for the past decade. His world was turned upside down on March 29 when he received an unexpected letter from the Income Tax Department.
Unable to comprehend the English-language document, Rakesh sought help from a neighboring shopkeeper—only to be told that he owed nearly Rs 38 crore in unpaid taxes.
The incident has raised serious concerns over the misuse of personal financial information, especially PAN card details. Rakesh suspects the issue might trace back to a small loan he took in 2020 through a digital lending platform, Dhani App.
Following the shock notice, Rakesh promptly approached the Sirsa Deputy Commissioner’s office, where officials suggested he might be a victim of identity theft. He has since filed a written complaint against unidentified individuals at the Nathusari Chopta police station.
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Station House Officer (SHO) Sukhdev Singh confirmed that the matter is under investigation and assured that legal action would follow if fraud is confirmed. The case has also drawn concern from local residents and village representatives.
This alarming case brings into sharp focus the growing menace of identity theft and digital fraud in India. Legal and cybersecurity experts warn that misuse of PAN and Aadhaar details has increasingly been linked to unauthorized loans, shell company setups, and tax evasion.
Citizens are being advised to routinely monitor their credit reports, financial statements, and income tax records to detect anomalies early. Regular checks can help prevent such fraudulent activities before they spiral out of control.