Lucknow: The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has proved to be a major economic driver for Uttar Pradesh, generating revenue worth thousands of crores. Millions of devotees who thronged the Triveni Sangam for the holy dip significantly contributed to the state’s economy.
In a surprising revelation, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced in the state assembly that a boatman family from Prayagraj earned ₹30 crore during the 45-day religious event. However, this unexpected windfall attracted the attention of the Income Tax Department, which issued a notice demanding ₹12.8 crore in taxes under Sections 4 and 68 of the Income Tax Act.
The Income Tax Department has levied a ₹12.80 crore tax on Prayagraj boatman Pintu Mahra, who earned around ₹30 crore during the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela by operating 130 boats. Each boat reportedly earned ₹50,000-₹52,000 daily. Pintu had mortgaged his mother’s jewellery and… pic.twitter.com/ipIDdFLcay
— The CSR Journal (@thecsrjournal) March 9, 2025
The family, led by Pintu Mahara, owns 130 boats. Anticipating heavy footfall during the event, Pintu took loans by mortgaging his house and jewelry to purchase an additional 70 boats.
However, the massive income has now turned into a burden for the family. SEBI Research Analyst A.K. Mandhan raised concerns on social media platform X, questioning the IT department’s action against a man unfamiliar with tax regulations and whose earnings were significantly spent on business expansion.
Pintu’s story, which once symbolized success, has now become a tale of struggle due to the hefty tax demand.
A boatman from Prayagraj, Pintu Mahara who barely made Rs 15,000 a month, made a whopping Rs 30 Cr at the Maha Kumbh in just 45 days by ferrying pilgrims at Triveni Sangam
Mahara now faces Rs 12.8 Cr income tax notice under Sections 4 & 68 of Income Tax Act. His family wasnt… pic.twitter.com/hJtqclgjYz
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) March 16, 2025