In a statement the United States revealed that they are aware of the searches being conducted at the offices in Delhi and Mumbai by Indian Tax authorities.
“We are aware of the search of BBC offices in Delhi by Indian tax authorities,” said a spokesperson of the US State department, Ned Price, as he responded to a question asked by a reporter on IT survey at BBC offices in India.
Though Price revealed that they are aware, yet he stress on the importance of the free press around the world and also asked reporters to refer to Indian authorities for the further details of the search.
“Beyond this discrete action, what I’ll say more broadly is the general point that I’ve consistently made in this context, but in the universal context text as well. We support the importance of a free press around the world.
“We continue to highlight the importance of freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief as human rights that contribute to strengthening democracies around the world. It has strengthened this democracy here in this country. It has strengthened India’s democracy. These universal rights are the bedrock of democracies around the world,” said the spokesperson, Price.
A team of IT officials reached the BBC studios office in Kalina Santacruz, Mumbai at around 11:30 a.m. and the survey is going on since then, ANI reported. In addition it is learned that the tax authorities are conducting the survey for verification of a certain account documents in the finance department of BBC offices.