Hyderabad, November 20: Income Tax officials conducted extensive raids for the second consecutive day on popular restaurant chains Pista House, Shah Ghouse, and Mehfil. The coordinated operation focused on suspected large-scale tax evasion and undisclosed income across Greater Hyderabad.
According to sources, Officials seized a significant amount of cash money. They also recovered a substantial amount of gold. Multiple teams from the Income Tax department led the searches.
The investigation has spanned over 30 locations since the operations began. Key areas targeted include Lakdikapul, Sheikhpet, Attapur, Tolichowki, and Gachibowli. Authorities specifically searched the residences of owners and directors. This includes Mohammad Abdul Majeed and Mohammad Mastan, owners of Pista House, at their homes in Rajendranagar Golden Heights Colony. Searches also targeted the chairmen and directors of the Shah Ghouse and Mehfil groups.
Documents Seized, Hawala Suspected
The Income Tax department teams seized crucial documents during the raids. These papers include records related to benami properties allegedly registered under the names of various workers. Officials also identified several bank lockers linked to individuals associated with the restaurant groups.
Initial findings suggest a financial trail pointing toward potential diversion of black money via the hawala route. The investigation is actively tracing these financial irregularities.
The three targeted brands are immensely popular for their Hyderabadi cuisine and sweets. Pista House is internationally recognized, especially for its traditional haleem and bakery products.
Focus on Undisclosed Revenue
The Income Tax department deployed multiple teams to ensure thorough scrutiny of all seized documents and assets. The investigation focuses intensely on potential tax evasion and tracing undisclosed income sources.
Investigators are examining discrepancies between reported income and actual transactions. Authorities are specifically looking at branch-wise sales, digital payment records, and revenue from online food aggregator platforms. Evidence suggests these companies used multiple UPI payment IDs, reportedly registered in the names of employees, to collect revenue. Officials are verifying how the companies routed this money back into the firms.
Searches continued today. The department plans to release further details as teams analyze the substantial financial and digital evidence collected during the operation. This coordinated action is one of the most extensive investigations targeting Hyderabad’s hospitality sector in recent years.
Mohammed Naseer Giyas is a multi-media and bilingual journalist with over 20 years of experience across print, digital, and television media. Founder of Raftaar-e-Deccan, he is an alumnus of IVLP, Thomson Reuters Foundation, and ICFJ, and has worked with leading English and Urdu news organisations.
