Income Tax raids on Premises of Liquor Maker Som Group

The Income Tax Department conducted multi-state searches against the Som Group on Tuesday, a key player in the spirits manufacture and selling business, as part of a tax evasion probe, official sources said.

The searches are expected to cover 40-45 locations in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Karnataka.

In Madhya Pradesh, where the company has significant operations, searches were conducted in Bhopal and the adjoining region of Raisen.

According to the sources, the tax department is investigating charges associated with funds infusions into the company, including from some foreign shores. The department is also looking into allegations of “benami” directors in the group companies, they said.

The company operates its own bottling factory and is involved in the manufacture, marketing, bottling, labelling, and distribution of alcoholic beverages.