New Delhi: The United States on Tuesday (February 14, 2023) reacted to survey work conducted by the Indian tax department at BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai and said it “supports the importance of a free press around the world”. The Income Tax Department on Tuesday conducted a survey operation for over ten hours at BBC’s Delhi, Mumbai and two other attached offices as part of its probe into alleged tax evasion. The action came weeks after the British broadcaster aired a two-part documentary, “India: The Modi Question”, on the prime minister and the 2002 Gujarat riots.
“We are aware of the search of the BBC offices in Delhi by the Indian tax authorities. I will need to refer you to the Indian authorities for the details of this search. Beyond this discrete action, what I would say more broadly is the general The point is that I have consistently made this reference, but also in a universal context, US State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters.
“We support the importance of a free press around the world. We continue to highlight the importance of freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief as human rights that contribute to strengthening democracies around the world. Has strengthened this democracy in this country.” It has strengthened India’s democracy.
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The US official said that these universal rights are the basis of democracy around the world.
When asked whether the action was against the spirit or value of democracy, Price said, “I cannot say. We are aware of the facts of these searches, but I am not in a position to judge.” ,
Fully co-operating with Income Tax authorities: BBC
The BBC said it is co-operating fully with the Income Tax authorities.
The BBC’s press office said on Twitter: “Income Tax officials are currently in offices in New Delhi and Mumbai and we are co-operating fully. We hope this situation is resolved as soon as possible.”
Update on the situation in India. pic.twitter.com/FYVFwdQWxE– BBC News press team (@BBCNewsPR) February 14, 2023
Giving an update on the situation at 10:26 PM (IST), the British broadcaster said that “Income Tax officers remain at BBC offices in New Delhi and Mumbai. Many staff have now left the building but some have been asked to stay. And We are continuing to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.”
The BBC said, “We are supporting our staff during this time and hope this situation is resolved as soon as possible. Our output and journalism is continuing as normal and we remain committed to serving our viewers in India.” Are.”
According to reports, the crackdown began at 11 am on Tuesday, when Income Tax officials reached BBC offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Gurugram and each other’s premises and continued till late evening.
BBC staff were reportedly told to co-operate and keep their phones in a special place inside the premises. In addition, some computers were seized and mobile phones of some employees were also cloned.