Mumbai, 2 December (H.S.):

The Income Tax Department began extensive raids on Tuesday morning across 38 locations linked to the Ramee Group of Hotels in 10 cities nationwide, including multiple prominent sites in Mumbai. The search operation, conducted by the Investigation Wing, also targeted the group’s headquarters in Santa Cruz, a hotel in Dadar East, and the residence of the group’s owner.This large-scale crackdown is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged tax evasion by the hospitality group.

Additionally, properties associated with Vardaraj Manjappa Shetty, a notable business figure, were also raided concurrently.Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the findings of the raids. However, police were deployed for security outside several premises, particularly in Mumbai, indicating the seriousness of the probe.

The operation, which commenced in the early hours, is still underway.The Ramee Group operates over fifty hotels and signature restaurants across India and the Gulf region, including well-known establishments such as Bombay Adda.

The department’s focus on such a high-profile player highlights the government’s intensified efforts to clamp down on financial irregularities within the hospitality sector.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar