A Kanpur security guard was shocked after receiving a tax notice for more than ₹3.14 crore following the alleged misuse of his Permanent Account Number (PAN). Omji Shukla, a resident of Awas Vikas Hanspuram, discovered that a firm named ‘Om Enterprises’ had allegedly been registered in his name in 2023. Business records showed textile transactions worth more than ₹17.47 crore through the firm, although Shukla claims he had no knowledge of the business. Police have registered a fraud case and handed the investigation over to the Crime Branch.
Shukla received a notice from the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) department on August 21, 2025. According to the notice, he was required to pay ₹3,14,56,116 in tax. The huge tax demand left him stunned. Shukla said he had never operated a business and had neither the financial capacity nor the intention to conduct transactions worth crores of rupees. He subsequently began trying to find out how a company and such large-scale business activity had been recorded in his name.
During his inquiry, Shukla allegedly discovered that his PAN had been misused to create ‘Om Enterprises’ in 2023. Records associated with the firm showed textile business worth ₹17,47,56,200. Shukla maintains that he neither established the firm nor conducted any business under its name. Investigators will now examine who used his identity documents, how the firm was registered and what documents were submitted during the registration process.
After receiving the notice, Shukla visited the CGST office in Kanpur along with representatives of trader associations to explain that he had no connection with the firm. He claims that officials told him the notice had been issued from Delhi and advised him to approach authorities there. He has since been making repeated efforts to resolve the issue. Meanwhile, government records continued to show substantial business activity associated with his identity, creating serious difficulties for him and his family.
The alleged misuse of his identity also affected Shukla’s employment. He had been working as a security guard at a coaching institute in Kakadeo. After reports about the tax notice and the business recorded in his name became public, he lost his job. The family’s financial difficulties reportedly worsened after his ration card was also cancelled because government records showed business activity worth crores of rupees in his name. The cancellation affected the family’s access to subsidised food supplies.
Shukla is now working as a delivery worker for an online food delivery company to support his family. His father works at a pharmaceutical factory in Faridabad. His mother had also worked as a security guard but reportedly fell ill following the stress and difficulties caused by the issue. According to the family, her health problems have left her unable to continue working.
On Tuesday, Shukla met the police commissioner and explained the circumstances surrounding the alleged misuse of his PAN. Taking the complaint seriously, police directed the Naubasta police station to register a case. A fraud case was subsequently registered, and the investigation was handed over to the Crime Branch.
Investigators are examining how Shukla’s PAN was used to register the firm, which documents were submitted for GST registration and who operated the business and financial transactions associated with the company. Police will also examine bank accounts and other records to determine who actually controlled the firm and benefited from the transactions.
Another key part of the investigation is establishing how business worth ₹17.47 crore was recorded under Shukla’s identity. Investigators are expected to verify registration documents, GST filings, financial transactions and other records linked to the firm.
Police are also examining whether there was any negligence or collusion at the departmental level during the registration process. If the investigation establishes the involvement of officials or other individuals, further action could follow. The Crime Branch is currently examining the available documents and financial records. The investigation is expected to establish who allegedly misused the security guard’s PAN, how the business was operated in his name and whether the fraudulent activity caused losses to the government or other parties.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
