Hope matters resolve soon: BBC as income tax 'survey' concludes nearly after 60 hrs
New Delhi, February 16: Income Tax 'survey' on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) offices located in Delhi and Mumbai concluded nearly after 60 hours, the UK-based broadcaster said in a statement.
The 'survey' was conducted over a charge of deliberate non-compliance with Indian laws, including transfer pricing rules and the diversion of profits illegally.
The Income Tax officials also showed up on the third day of the survey at the BBC offices. BBC News PR stated in a statement, "The Income Tax Authorities have left our offices in Delhi and Mumbai. We will continue to cooperate with the authorities and hope matters are resolved as soon as possible."
"We are supporting staff - some of whom have faced lengthy questioning or been required to stay overnight - and their welfare is our priority. Our output is back to normal and we remain committed to serving our audiences in India and beyond," the statement further read.
Income tax officials arrived at the BBC offices on KG Marg in the national capital earlier on Tuesday for the survey. The British broadcaster's office in Kalina Santacruz, Mumbai, was also surveyed, according to sources, who added that the survey was limited to BBC business premises only.
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However, while the survey was being conducted, the British public broadcaster BBC News issued a statement stating that it is collaborating with the Income Tax department, which is conducting a survey at its offices in New Delhi and Mumbai.
According to sources, on the third day of the 'survey,' employees working for the media outlet were instructed not to "delete" any data until it is on. They are also asked to appear whenever called by IT officials for investigation, sources added.
Notably, the development comes just weeks after the BBC released a documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi - 'India: The Modi Question," which sparked outrage.
- ANI
