Ajmer dhobi gets I-T notice for Rs 598cr ‘diamond’ transactions

AJMER: The income tax department has issued notices to a roadside washerman in Ajmer's Ramganj area, seeking an explanation for bank transactions in his name worth over Rs 598 crore that are ostensibly linked to large-scale buying and selling of diamonds.

The department also issued a notice to the manager of the private bank where the account is reportedly held.

Jitendra Kumar, who earns a living washing and ironing clothes, said he has no knowledge of the bank account mentioned in the notice. "Since the past few days, I have only been doing rounds of police stations and lawyers. I am perturbed and unable to work," a visibly anguished Kumar told reporters Wednesday.

He said he lost his PAN card two years ago while attending a function in Pali.

His advocate, Rakesh Thada, said they have filed a complaint against the bank and the unknown person operating the account in Kumar's name, alleging that it was being run by "some businessman in Pali" linked to a Surat-based diamond firm.

"The IT department issued a show-cause notice regarding transactions of over Rs 598 crore. We have filed a complaint at Ganj police station so that things become clear," Thada added.

Police said they have received a complaint and are looking into the matter.