Thirty locations were searched at once, including main branches, accounting hubs, staff quarters and the residences of owners, directors and senior personnel.
Published Nov 18, 2025 | 3:13 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 18, 2025 | 3:13 PM
IT department raids thirty locations linked to Hyderabad biryani giants Pista House, Mehfil and Shah Ghouse.
Synopsis: Income Tax Investigation Wing raided corporate offices and homes linked to three of the city’s most iconic biryani giants — Pista House, Mehfil and Shah Ghouse. Investigators had already gathered indications of suppressed turnover, unexplained cash movement and gaps between what the outlets declared and what they reportedly earned on the ground.
At sunrise on Tuesday, 18 November, when most of Hyderabad was waking up, officers of the Income Tax (IT) Investigation Wing were already fanning out across the city. Their destination: The kitchens, corporate offices and homes linked to three of the city’s most iconic biryani giants — Pista House, Mehfil and Shah Ghouse.
What unfolded through the day was one of the largest coordinated tax operations the city’s hospitality sector has seen in years. Thirty locations were searched at once, including main branches, accounting hubs, staff quarters and the residences of owners, directors and senior personnel.
For many employees, it began with the sudden arrival of officials asking for ledgers, digital records and branch-wise accounts that would reveal the true financial picture behind Hyderabad’s busiest kitchens.
The IT teams had come prepared. Investigators had already gathered indications of suppressed turnover, unexplained cash movement and gaps between what the outlets declared and what they reportedly earned on the ground. Tuesday’s raids were meant to settle those questions.
In Rajendranagar, the focus tightened around Pista House. Multiple teams arrived at the homes of owner Mohammad Abdul Mazeed and his relative Mohammad Mustan. Four teams entered Mazeed’s residence alone, combing through the documents room by room.
Officers examined hard drives, seized digital storage devices and compared the brand’s official books with the revenues its 44-outlet network is believed to generate, especially during the lucrative Haleem season.
As the day progressed, sources suggested that investigators were probing possible hawala routes, fake entries and suspicious financial transactions. Staff accommodations attached to Pista House were also searched.
Mehfil, which has rapidly expanded to 15 outlets and is pushing into overseas markets, also drew scrutiny. Officers examined whether its swift growth aligns with its declared financials. Shah Ghouse, known for its bustling branches and heavy online delivery volumes, was reportedly probed for transaction trails and revenue flows.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Sumit Jha.)
