The great Biryani audit: How eateries cooked the books to hide crores in income

A massive tax evasion probe, initiated with biryani sales data, has uncovered a sophisticated digital system allegedly used by prominent Hyderabad restaurant chains to erase cash transactions. Investigators found evidence of widespread sales suppression and manipulation, potentially costing the government thousands of crores. This crackdown signals a shift towards data-driven enforcement in India's booming hospitality sector.

By SHREEDHAR RATHI AND U SUDHAKAR REDDY