Rourkela: In another alleged tax evasion case in Rourkela, a pipefitter living at Haripur Basti under Basanti Colony area of the steel city has been summoned by the CT and GST Enforcement Range, Sambalpur over a reported tax fraud of Rs 70 crore.
The notice which referred the man, Samir Jojo as the proprietor of a shop--M/s Sai Traders situated at Sector-18 in Rourkela accused him of cheating the government of taxes by claiming input tax credit (ITC) using fake invoices drawn in the name a company-- Madhumita Steel Industries Private Limited. The GST department has summoned him to appear before the State Tax Officer of Enforcement Unit, Sambalpur.
However, much to the surprise, Jojo claimed ignorance on the tax liability and said that he had fallen victim to identity theft.
Jojo said, "Around six months ago, I had handed over my document to a person who promised me to engage at the plant where I would get a salary of Rs 12,000. He also made me sign some documents and a cheque. Since then, I had been repeatedly calling him over phone but he was delaying the matter. GST officers visited my house recently and served the notice after which I came to know that some fake company has been formed in my name using my documents."
He further said that he immediately met the concerned GST enforcement unit officer after receiving the notice.
"The officials said that they went to the address on which the shop was registered but they found nothing there. I am not the only one who has been cheated like this. My financial condition is not good and I cannot even dream to repay such a hefty sum of money. An investigation should be initiated to find out the actual culprits," demanded Jojo.
Earlier on October 29, the GST Department in Cuttack has served a tax evasion notice of Rs 4.31 crore to the driver of Rourkela.
(Edited By: Suryakant Jena)