BBC tells staff not to delete data from electronic devices during I-T survey

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BBC tells staff not to delete data from electronic devices during I-T survey

The Income Tax department's'survey' at the BBC in Delhi continued for the third day on Thursday, the broadcaster told its employees at Delhi and Mumbai offices not to delete any data from their electronic devices.

The British Broadcasting Corporation, in its internal communication, asked its employees at India offices, which are being surveyed by the I-T Department, not to delete any data from their electronic devices.

The broadcaster had asked its employees to co-operate with the I-T Department probe, which was accessed by India Today.

The Income Tax Department is conducting a survey of the BBC's tax status and affairs in India. We understand that officers from the department may wish to speak to members of staff about the BBC in India. If you are asked to meet with the officers, you should answer their questions honestly and directly, stated the communication.

The exact timeframe to call the operation closed rests on the teams on the ground, as the'survey was extended for over 50 hours, officials told PTI that the exercise would continue for some more time.

The questions about the BBC's structure, activities, organisation, and operations in India are within the scope of the investigation and should be answered. If you want to ask questions about your personal tax affairs, they are outside the scope of the investigation, and can be asked by the BBC or by the BBC if you ask for them to be answered by a formal written request under Section 131 1 A The officers may record what you say is related to the income tax survey. They may describe this as being under oath - this simply means that you should tell the truth. The officers have no powers of arrest. You should be provided with breaks and refreshments. If you need to take any medication or leave to fulfil care responsibilities or have to leave for health reasons, you should make a request to the Investigating team and the inspectors. The internal communication says that you should not reveal any information on any of your devices.

The survey teams are looking for answers on financial transactions, company structure and other details about the news company, and are copying data from electronic gadgets as part of their task of collecting the evidence, tax officials said.

On Tuesday, the ruling BJP accused the BBC of'venomous reporting' while the Opposition had questions about the timing of the action that came weeks after the broadcaster aired a two-part documentary India: The Modi Question'' on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the 2002 Gujarat riots.

The BBC has said it is working with the authorities, although there has been no official statement from the Income Tax department on the matter.