Rs 10K loan turns nightmare: Sirsa man hit with Rs 37-cr I-T notice

A small-time salon owner in Sirsa has been left stunned after receiving an income tax notice demanding a staggering Rs 37.87 crore — an amount linked to a fraudulent company set up in his name without his knowledge.

Rakesh Kumar, who runs a modest salon near Dera Sacha Sauda and lives in Ali Mohammad village, said his troubles began in 2020 after he borrowed Rs 10,000 through the Dhani App. Though he repaid the loan in full and even collected a ‘No Dues’ certificate, his documents were allegedly misused to float a fake company named “Himanshu” in Gurugram.

“Back in 2020, income tax officers from Gurugram came to my house with a search warrant. They said a company had been registered under my name. I was taken to Gurugram and told I was a victim of fraud. They made me sign some papers and let me go. I didn’t realise how serious the matter was back then,” Rakesh recalled.

Years later, on March 29, 2025, he was served with a formal notice demanding unpaid taxes amounting to Rs 37.87 crore. Shocked, Rakesh approached the Nathusari Chopta police and filed a complaint. He and his family have now been summoned for questioning.

He said when he visited the Dhani App office in Sirsa after the 2020 incident, he was informed that an employee had shared his documents with someone, resulting in the fraudulent setup of the Gurugram-based company.

Rakesh, who earns a daily income of just Rs 300-500, said the ordeal has left his entire family distressed. “I have worked honestly for 10 years to run my salon. My father is a tailor. We live a simple life. This is completely unjust,” he said.

Sirsa Income Tax Officer Rohtash Singh confirmed that the notice was indeed issued by the local tax department. “An official response can only be given by the Commissioner of Income Tax in Rohtak. We have given the recipient 15-16 days to respond. Action will follow after that,” he said.

Haryana Tribune