Rs 6 crore seized as I-T turns up the heat on Hyderabad’s Biryani giants

The income tax investigation wing in Hyderabad on Tuesday launched widespread searches on three major biryani chains—Pista House, Shah Ghouse, and Mehfil—after receiving inputs suggesting sizeable tax evasion running into several crores of rupees, reported TOI.

Officers seized Rs 6 crore in cash during the operation, with most of it allegedly linked to Shah Ghouse.

According to officials cited by the news outlet, nearly Rs 4 crore was recovered from premises connected to Shah Ghouse, while the remaining Rs 2 crore came from outlets and facilities tied to Pista House and Mehfil.


Investigators also flagged possible violations in digital payments, noting that several UPI IDs used for collections were registered under the names of staff and unrelated individuals.

"These restaurants are using multiple UPIs for collections, and these UPIs are registered in the name of employees and individuals. We are verifying how the money is routed back to the firms. UPI misuse is being investigated," a TOI source said.

Authorities said they were examining how these payments were funneled back into the companies’ accounts, and multiple teams continued conducting searches at around 30 locations.

According to the report, investigation teams reviewed branch-wise accounts, financial ledgers, and digital payment patterns to verify suspected irregularities. Searches extended to offices, kitchens, storage facilities, and residential premises associated with all three brands.

Officials added to TOI that an assessment of seized documents and electronic data was ongoing.

Mehfil, launched in 2006, now operates 15 outlets in Hyderabad and has expanded to the UAE, with new branches added through 2025.


Pista House, founded in 1997 by Mohammad Abdul Majeed, has grown into a global brand with 44 outlets across India, the US, the UAE, Oman, and Kuwait, and sees massive business during the haleem season.


Shah Ghouse, with several branches in Gachibowli, Lakdikapul, and the Old City, maintains a strong footprint on food delivery platforms.

Officials stated that the investigation would continue as teams analyse financial and digital evidence collected during the raids.