Editor's Pick: Income Tax teams ‘survey’ BBC offices over ‘violation’ of laws

The Income Tax Department conducted a “survey” at the offices of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in Delhi and Mumbai on Tuesday. According to officials, the operation was part of a tax evasion investigation. Government sources said BBC – the national broadcaster of the U.K. – was being investigated over a “charge of deliberate non-compliance with Indian laws including transfer pricing rules and diversion of profits illegally”. The move comes barely a few weeks after BBC released a two-part documentary titled India: the Modi Question, related to the 2002 Gujarat riots. A BBC spokesperson informed that during the “survey”, some staff members left the buildings but some were asked to remain. “We are supporting our staff during this time and continue to hope to have this situation resolved as soon as possible. Our output and journalism continue as normal and we are committed to serving our audiences in India,” the spokesperson added. The British High Commission did not offer a formal response, but sources said the U.K. government was “closely monitoring” the situation. Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a press conference within minutes of the news of the “survey” breaking. Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, “Any media organisation functioning in India will have to follow the rules and regulations of the country.” He also accused BBC of propaganda and said that it was on the same lines as the opposition Congress’s agenda. “The BBC has become the most ‘Bhrasht Bakwaas Corporation’ in the world. Unfortunately, BBC’s propaganda and Congress’s agenda are on the same lines. Today, India is attaining great heights under PM Modi’s leadership and some sections do not like this. The BBC has all rights to do journalism in India, but they will have to abide by the law of the land,” Mr. Bhatia said. The Hindu’s Editorials Disconcerting dilation: On retail inflation hike Fossil and time: On the draft Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics bill The Hindu’s Daily News Quiz Students in which State have the poorest reading ability among all States in 2022? Rajasthan Gujarat Haryana Madhya Pradesh To know the answer and to play the full quiz, click here. [logo] Editor's Pick 15 FEBRUARY 2023 [The Hindu logo] In the Editor's Pick newsletter, The Hindu explains why a story was important enough to be carried on the front page of today's edition of our newspaper. [Arrow]( [Open in browser]( [Mail icon]( [More newsletters]( Income Tax teams ‘survey’ BBC offices over ‘violation’ of laws The Income Tax Department conducted a [“survey” at the offices of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)]( in Delhi and Mumbai on Tuesday. According to officials, the operation was part of a tax evasion investigation. Government sources said BBC – the national broadcaster of the U.K. – was being investigated over a “charge of deliberate non-compliance with Indian laws including transfer pricing rules and diversion of profits illegally”. The move comes barely a few weeks after BBC released a two-part documentary titled [India: the Modi Question]( related to the 2002 Gujarat riots. A BBC spokesperson informed that during the “survey”, some staff members left the buildings but some were asked to remain. “We are supporting our staff during this time and continue to hope to have this situation resolved as soon as possible. Our output and journalism continue as normal and we are committed to serving our audiences in India,” the spokesperson added. The British High Commission did not offer a formal response, but sources said the U.K. government was “closely monitoring” the situation. Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a press conference within minutes of the news of the “survey” breaking. Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, “Any media organisation functioning in India will have to follow the rules and regulations of the country.” He also accused BBC of propaganda and said that it was on the same lines as the opposition Congress’s agenda. “The BBC has become the most ‘Bhrasht Bakwaas Corporation’ in the world. Unfortunately, BBC’s propaganda and Congress’s agenda are on the same lines. Today, India is attaining great heights under PM Modi’s leadership and some sections do not like this. The BBC has all rights to do journalism in India, but they will have to abide by the law of the land,” Mr. Bhatia said. The Hindu’s Editorials [Arrow][Disconcerting dilation: On retail inflation hike]( [Arrow][Fossil and time: On the draft Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics bill]( The Hindu’s Daily News Quiz Students in which State have the poorest reading ability among all States in 2022? - Rajasthan - Gujarat - Haryana - Madhya Pradesh To know the answer and to play the full quiz, [click here](. Are you a book lover looking for your next literary adventure? Look no further than “The Hindu On Books” weekly newsletter! We scour the shelves to bring you the best new releases and hidden gems in all genres. With in-depth book reviews and recommendations, you can trust that you will find your next literary love here. Sign up now and discover your next favorite book!" 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