Editors Guild deeply concerned about IT survey at BBC offices

The Editors Guild of India on Tuesday said it was ”deeply concerned” about the Income Tax surveys at the offices of BBC India and termed it as a continuation of a ”trend” of using government agencies to ”intimidate and harass” media outlets critical of the ruling establishment. In a statement, the Guild also demanded that great care and sensitivity be shown in all such investigations so as to not undermine the rights of journalists and media organisations. The statement came after Income Tax authorities conducted a survey operation at the BBC’s offices in Delhi and Mumbai as part of an investigation into alleged tax evasion. The action, it is learnt, is being carried out to investigate some international taxation and transfer pricing issues. The broadcaster said it was ”fully cooperating” with the tax authorities.