Prayagraj Boatman earns Rs 30 crore in Kumbh Mela Receives Rs 12.8 crore tax notice

A boatman’s family from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, who amassed a staggering Rs 30 crore by ferrying pilgrims during the recent Maha Kumbh Mela, has been hit with an income tax notice demanding Rs 12.8 crore. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath revealed this information in the state assembly, sparking widespread discussion online.

Pintu Mahara, a boatman from Arail village, along with his family, operated around 130 boats for 45 days at the Triveni Sangam, capitalizing on the massive surge in demand during the religious festival. Their earnings marked a dramatic rise from their usual income.

However, the Income Tax Department has now issued a notice under Sections 4 and 68 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, leaving the family reportedly distressed over the hefty tax burden. SEBI research analyst A.K. Mandhan weighed in on the issue via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), explaining that while Mahara’s earnings were extraordinary, his financial situation has now become overwhelming.

Under normal circumstances, the family struggled to earn Rs 15,000 per month, with each boat ride fetching just Rs 500 and only one or two rides daily. But the massive crowds at the Kumbh Mela allowed them to charge around Rs 1,000 per ride, leading to their unprecedented windfall. Mandhan further noted that Mahara, unaware of tax slabs and financial regulations, is now facing an enormous tax liability—turning his unexpected prosperity into a major challenge.