Income Tax Department conducted searches in several states against liquor manufacturer Som Group

MUMBAI: The Income Tax (IT) department conducted multi-state searches at 45 locations of leading alcoholic beverages manufacturer and distributor Som Group over alleged tax evasion, “benami” directors and investment of foreign funds in group companies.

The searches took place in the backdrop of assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and other states. It is said that Som Group is close to some politicians of Madhya Pradesh. And Chhattisgarh.

Tax officials raided and searched the premises of Som Distilleries and Breweries in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mumbai, Delhi and Karnataka, including the residence of promoter Jagdish Arora, to investigate tax evasion and investment of foreign funds in the group. IT officials are investigating alleged “benami” directors in group companies for misappropriation of funds and tax evasion.

Som Group, with major business interests in the electoral state of Madhya Pradesh, is a major player in the manufacturing, bottling and distribution of liquor in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. This group is considered to be the biggest player in the liquor business in Central India. Earlier in April, Som Group had announced plans to invest about ₹300 crore in a new unit in Maharashtra.

Som Distilleries & Breweries is a leading manufacturer of beer, whiskey, vodka, rum, gin, ready-to-drink beverages and country liquor.