Income tax raids rock Goa's nightlife; Tax evasion hits popular nightclubs and bars

In a surprising turn of events, the Income Tax department has kicked off the New Year in Goa with a series of raids targeting nearly 40 well-known nightclubs, bars, and dining establishments. The crackdown is part of an investigation into suspected tax evasion and the funneling of unaccounted cash income to business associates.

The Income Tax sleuths conducted raids on Tuesday morning at various hotspots, including the beloved open-air Titli Culinary Bar at Ozran Beach, Vagator, the upscale Greek tavern Thalassa at Siolim and Morjim, the popular sundowner bar Romeo Lane on Vagator beach, and the vibrant Hammerzz nightclub in Calangute.

Not limited to commercial establishments, the tax officials also targeted the residences of approximately 60 individuals associated with the raided businesses. Among them were Greek nationals Mariketty Grana and her son Spiro Grana of Thalassa, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, the founders of Romeo Lane, and the promoters of Hammerzz nightclub, Ketan Patel and Rajeev Punwani.

A senior Income Tax official stated that the raids were initiated due to suspicions of underreported revenue and inadequate maintenance of proper books of accounts by most of the targeted nightclubs and bars. Despite the booming hospitality business with a record number of tourists during Diwali, Christmas, and New Year, discrepancies in tax returns have raised concerns, according to the official.