BBC Continues to Report without Fear or Favour Despite Office Searches in India
Date
2/19/2023 7:30:51 AM
(MENAFN) The BBC has reaffirmed its commitment to “report without fear or favour” after tax officials in India conducted a three-day search of its offices in New Delhi and Mumbai. This occurred several weeks after the broadcaster released a documentary critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The BBC posted on twitter late on Thursday that income tax officials had completed their raid, which lasted for 60 hours, and that it would cooperate with authorities to resolve the matter “as soon as possible”. The broadcaster also stated that it would prioritize supporting its staff, some of whom had been questioned at length or required to stay overnight since the start of the raid on Tuesday.
Despite the incident, the BBC assured its audience that its output was back to normal and that it remained committed to serving its viewers in India and around the world. It emphasized that it was a trusted, independent media organization and would stand by its colleagues and journalists who would continue to report without fear or favour.
The search began on Tuesday when a team of 15 officials arrived at the BBC offices near Connaught Place, the main commercial hub in New Delhi, at around 11.30 am. According to reports, the raid was in connection with a tax evasion investigation. The BBC is known for its hard-hitting reporting, and this is not the first time it has been targeted by authorities. In 2019, its offices were searched by the Pune police over allegations of inciting caste-based violence in a documentary.
The search of the BBC’s offices in India has raised concerns about press freedom in the country. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranks India 142 out of 180 countries in its 2021 World Press Freedom Index. The RSF has criticized Modi’s government for its efforts to silence critical media outlets and journalists.
The BBC’s commitment to reporting without fear or favour is critical in maintaining press freedom and upholding the principles of democracy. The world watches as events in India unfold, and the BBC’s response to the recent search demonstrates its unwavering dedication to the truth.
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