IT officials arrived at the broadcaster’s offices in the two subways around 11am on Tuesday. Officials seized some mobile phones and laptops, which they said were returned after a “back-up”.
Police have sealed off the BBC’s New Delhi office, which occupies two floors of a skyscraper on KG Marg in central Delhi.
“It could be related to TDS (tax deduction at source), foreign taxation… There could be several issues. The raids are still ongoing,” a tax source said without elaborating and added that a clear picture would emerge once the survey has ended. An investigation under IT law involves an inspection of a business premises.
The BBC said it was working with officials to resolve the situation quickly.
The developments come shortly after the broadcaster aired a documentary about the 2002 Gujarat riots in the UK.
IT’s action has aroused harsh criticism from journalistic organizations and opposition parties, who have denounced a violation of press freedom and an attack on democracy itself. The BJP, on the other hand, has claimed that the BBC documentary is part of the “anti-Modi conspiracy”.
The United States said on Tuesday that it was aware of the investigation operation conducted by Indian tax authorities at the BBC office in Delhi but was unable to comment.
“We are aware of the search of the BBC offices in Delhi by the Indian tax authorities. I should refer you to the Indian authorities for the details of this search,” State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters in Washington.
“We support the importance of freedom of the press around the world. We continue to highlight the importance of freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief as human rights that help strengthen democracies around the world. It has strengthened this democracy here in this country. It has strengthened Indian democracy,” he added.
The UK government has said it is “closely monitoring” the situation, although no official statement has been made.
