Congress calls Govt searches on BBC offices intimidatory; out of fear of criticism
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New Delhi: Following the Income Tax Department team's 'survey' operations in the premises of the BBC in Delhi and Mumbai on Tuesday, the Congress termed the survey operations as an 'act of intimidation' and said the government was scared of criticism.
Party General Secretary K.C. Venugopal said, "The I-T raid at BBC's offices reeks of desperation and shows that the Modi government is scared of criticism."
"We condemn these intimidation tactics in the harshest terms. This undemocratic and dictatorial attitude cannot go on any longer," he added.
IT Department officials on Tuesday conducted "survey" operations, searched the computer equipment and mobile phones of staff at BBC's Delhi and Mumbai office, according to sources.
The development comes in the wake of the BBC releasing a two-part documentary titled 'India: The Modi Question' on the 2002 Gujarat riots and other discriminatory acts of Modi government against minorities.
According to reports, the employees of the broadcasting corporation were asked not to use their computer systems and phones, including their personal ones.
Reports quoting sources said the employees working in the afternoon shift at the BBC's Delhi office were asked to work from home, while those present in office were asked to leave early.
(Based on IANS input)
