Tirupattur: A 56-year-old daily wage worker from Tirupattur district was left shocked after discovering that her bank account had been frozen following a Goods and Services Tax (GST) notice demanding payment of ₹2.79 crore in tax dues. The worker, identified as M Rukmani, a resident of Jolarpettai, was separated from her husband a decade ago and relies on manual labour, including VB-G RAM G, to earn a livelihood.The incident came to light when Rukmani visited an Indian Bank branch to withdraw ₹12,000 she had received through a women’s self-help group. The bank personnel informed her that her savings account had been frozen. They explained that GST authorities issued a notice claiming that Rukmani was registered as the proprietor of a firm named “R M Traders” and owed ₹2.79 crore in unpaid GST dues.Rukmani expressed total disbelief, stating that she has never operated any business, knows nothing about running a commercial entity, and relies on thumb impressions for bank transactions. The sudden tax demand and frozen savings have caused her severe mental anguish. “Bank and GST officials reviewed the issue after I explained to them that I do not own any trade enterprises. They later activated my bank account. They suggested lodging a police complaint to trace the culprits,” said Rukmani.The incident has sparked outrage across Jolarpettai and neighbouring regions. The residents allege that organised fraud syndicates have been operating across Tirupattur district targeting vulnerable, illiterate, and elderly daily wage workers. These criminal networks reportedly obtain copies of personal identity documents from people under the guise of enrolling them in govt welfare schemes but fraudulently open fake shell companies using the documents, conduct multi-crore business transactions, and commit massive GST tax evasion.It may be recalled that a farmer from Gudiyatham, Vellore district received a GST notice in May this year directing him to pay Rs 2.47 crore in tax dues.
