The great biryani audit: UPI IDs, locker cash and ghost bills — anatomy of a multi-crore restaurant tax evasion probe

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.