I-T Department surveys BBC using 'black money', 'benami' keywords
What's the story
The Income Tax Department's "survey" at the British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC's) Delhi and Mumbai offices ended Thursday night after nearly 60 hours. Reportedly, the officials collected documents and digital records from BBC after scanning devices of staff with keywords such as "tax", "black money", and "benami." After the raid, the BBC issued a statement, saying it "will continue reporting without fear or favor."
Context
Why does this story matter?
The action by the I-T Department came just weeks after the Central government banned the controversial BBC documentary India: The Modi Question, labeling it colonial propaganda. Meanwhile, I-T officials claimed that the alleged survey was part of a tax evasion investigation. Last week, the Supreme Court officially dismissed a plea by Hindu Sena president Vishnu Gupta seeking a total ban on BBC in India.
Details
I-T sleuths cloned phones and computers; used 'black money' keyword
The I-T sleuths reportedly cloned the phones, desktops, and laptops of many senior BBC staffers. They searched the devices using keywords such as "tax," "black money," and "benami," NDTV reported. Benami refers to money changing hands outside of the legitimate banking system. Meanwhile, the department is expected to issue a statement on Friday, as there has been no official word regarding the survey.
BBC statement
"Will continue reporting without fear or favor": BBC issues statement
Soon after the I-T "survey" ended at BBC offices, the broadcaster released a statement, saying it will continue reporting without fear or favor. "We are supporting staff—some of whom have faced lengthy questioning or been required to stay overnight—and their welfare is our priority," it said. "Our output is back to normal and we remain committed to serving our audiences in India and beyond."
Twitter Post
Check the full statement from BBC News Press Team
Update on India: pic.twitter.com/rghvE6OpfQ
— BBC News Press Team (@BBCNewsPR) February 16, 2023
Searches
Tax officials gathered financial data, other documents from BBC
The I-T officials gathered financial data and other documents from BBC in connection with alleged tax evasion for three days, making copies of the organization's electronic and paper-based financial data, PTI reported. The department sleuths also reportedly collected facts concerning overseas taxation, and transfer pricing policy. Documents pertaining to the operations of BBC subsidiary companies were also reportedly gathered.
Notice
Some BBC employees stayed in office throughout the survey
Following the raid, nearly ten employees continued to stay in the office for three days while others worked from home. The department reportedly had permission to perform the survey for three days only, but no formal word was issued by the authorities. However, Union Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Anurag Thakur stated that detailed information would be released once the survey is completed.
Controversy
BBC documentary that triggered controversy
The I-T department's survey was launched only a few weeks after a controversial BBC Modi documentary was released, which infuriated the BJP-led Centre. The documentary questioned the role of Narendra Modi as CM of Gujarat during the 2002 riots, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people, predominantly Muslims.
Supreme Court
SC rejected PIL seeking complete ban on BBC in India
Last Friday, the Supreme Court of India rejected an appeal seeking a complete ban on BBC in the country for its documentary on PM Modi and its allegations regarding the 2002 Gujarat riots. An SC bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Sanjiv Khanna called the PIL, filed by the Hindu Sena president Vishnu Gupta, "completely misconceived."