IT searches on Hyderabad biryani chains over suspected tax evasion
HYDERABAD: The Income Tax Investigation Wing on Tuesday conducted searches across three major biryani restaurant chains in Hyderabad over suspected large scale tax evasion running into several crore rupees.
Searches cover 30 locations across three brands
Teams searched premises linked to Pista House, Shah Ghouse and the Mehfil Group of Restaurants. Officials said the operations were carried out simultaneously at 30 locations, including corporate offices, kitchens, outlets and residences associated with the managements.
Financial records, branch-wise data examined
Investigators scrutinised branch-wise transactions, sales data, digital orders and franchise operations. Officials said further examination is underway and that the searches were part of an ongoing probe.
Mehfil, which began operations in 2006, runs 15 outlets in Hyderabad and has expanded to the United Arab Emirates. The chain has continued to add new branches through 2025.
Pista House’s domestic and overseas operations under lens
Pista House, founded in 1997 by Mohammad Abdul Mazeed, has grown into an international brand with 44 stores across India, the USA, the UAE, Oman and Kuwait. Its head office is located in Shah Ali Banda. The brand receives substantial online orders and franchise-driven business, with sales rising sharply during the Haleem season.
Officials said the chain’s high seasonal turnover running into several crore rupees ,was among the factors prompting closer scrutiny.
Searches were also carried out at Shah Ghouse outlets, including those in Gachibowli and the Old City. The chain has a sizeable presence on food delivery platforms.
Officials said the exercise aimed to reconcile declared income with actual sales and operational data.
