Washington: The United States has said it is aware of the Income Tax department’s survey at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) offices in New Delhi but it is not in a position to offer any judgment.
US State Department spokesperson said Washington DC is aware of the ‘search’ of the BBC offices in Delhi by the income tax authorities. He asked the reporter to refer to the Indian authorities on the details of the search. He added that US supports the importance of free press around the world. Price said US continues to highlight the need for freedom of expression and religion or belief as human rights that contribute to strengthening democracies around the world.
“I couldn’t say. We’re aware of the facts of these searches, but I’m just not in a position to offer a judgement”, he said when asked if the searches go against the spirit of democracy.
Income Tax department carried out survey operations for more than ten hours at the BBC offices in Delhi, Mumbai and two other linked locations as part of its probe into alleged tax evasion.
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