‘Shimla Biryani’ under Income Tax scanner as teams examine financial and digital records

The popular food brand “Shimla Biryani” has come under the scanner of the Income Tax Department following late-night raids at multiple locations linked to the establishment on Tuesday. Acting on confidential inputs about suspected tax evasion and financial irregularities, officials conducted searches under tight security and examined financial as well as digital records for several hours.

According to sources, the operation was launched after authorities received complaints about discrepancies between the company’s reported tax returns and its actual sales figures. During the searches, investigators scrutinised account records, billing software data, bank statements and computer systems to assess possible gaps between cash transactions and GST payments.

Officials reportedly seized several financial documents and digital records as part of the investigation. The department is examining whether there were undisclosed earnings or irregularities in accounting practices reflected in the seized materials.

The restaurant chain has earlier been involved in controversy when two employees were arrested in connection with the alleged theft of customers’ ATM and credit card data. Although the current investigation relates to tax matters, authorities are reviewing digital records, which has revived discussions about past allegations involving data misuse.

Responding to the development, the owner of the establishment denied any wrongdoing and said the business was cooperating fully with the investigation. He stated that the officials were examining routine financial and accounting records and maintained that the company operates within the law.