I-T DEPT, COPS RAID CITY HOTEL CHAIN

Income tax authorities conducted simultaneous raids on the Empire Group of Hotels on Wednesday at Central Street, Shivajinagar, Koramangala and Church Street. I-T department officials swooped in on the hotels to unearth concealed income. The balancing of account books, physical verification of stocks, operation of bank lockers and other assets will go on till officials file a report. The investigating team, however, refused to give more details till the search operations were completed and the accounts of the firm were verified. However, sources said a number of incriminating documents and cash were recovered. When contacted, the director-general of investigation, IT, G M Sudhakaran, confirmed search operations were being carried out on the premises of the Empire Hotels, but declined to divulge more information. Sources said a 90-day period has been given to the hotel group to submit its account details. Further action will be taken based on their submission. Started in 1966, the Empire Group has several branches in the city, including Hotel Empire international in Koramangala which is a two star hotel. – www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com