BBC Office Income Tax Survey: The Indian Income Tax Department (IT Department) started the survey on Tuesday (February 14) in its offices after the allegations of tax evasion of BBC. This matter has become a topic of discussion all over the world including India. The reaction of the US Foreign Ministry has also come on this.
The US has said that it is aware of the Income Tax Department’s survey of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) offices in New Delhi, but it is not in a position to pass any judgement. US State Department spokesman Ned Price said that Washington DC is aware of the ‘searches’ of BBC offices in Delhi by Income Tax officials. He asked the reporter to talk to the Indian authorities about the details of the search. He said the US supports the importance of a free press around the world.
US State Department said these things
A US State Department spokesperson said the US will continue to highlight the need for freedom of expression and religion or belief as human rights that contribute to strengthening democracies around the world. When asked whether this ‘search’ was against the spirit of democracy, he said, “I cannot say. We are aware of the facts of this ‘search’, but I am not in a position to judge”.
#WATCH , We are aware of the search of BBC offices in Delhi by Indian tax authorities. I would say more broadly that we support the importance of free press around the world: US State Dept Spokesperson Ned Price on IT survey at BBC offices in India pic.twitter.com/J6Jh1YFnTA
тАФ ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2023
BBC accused of tax evasion
The Indian Income Tax Department on Tuesday started a survey in the offices of British news organization BBC in Delhi, Mumbai and two other connected places following allegations of alleged tax evasion. According to officials, the survey was initiated to examine issues related to international taxation and transfer pricing of subsidiary firms of the broadcaster. The officials alleged that the BBC did not respond despite being given the first notice.
‘We are cooperating in the investigation’
The BBC’s response to the Income Tax Department’s survey came 10-12 hours later. The Broadcaster Service tweeted, “Officers from the Income Tax Department have visited BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai and we are fully cooperating with them. It is hoped that this situation will be resolved at the earliest.
Controversy over BBC documentary
The survey campaign by officials of the Income Tax Department has triggered a widespread political controversy, as it began days after the broadcast of a BBC documentary ‘India: The Modi Question’, which examined the aftermath of the 2002 Gujarat riots. The events were narrated during the period when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was serving as the Chief Minister of the state.
Congress said тАУ undeclared emergency
Narendra Modi The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, while targeting the BBC, has called it a ‘corrupt, rubbish corporation’. At the same time, the opposition has condemned his move, the Congress has called it ‘undeclared emergency’.
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