image source, Getty Images
Questions have been raised in the British Parliament about the Income Tax department’s action on the BBC’s Indian offices.
Responding to questions, a British minister said in Parliament that he was in touch with the Indian government and that the matter had been taken into consideration.
UK MP Jim Shannon, a member of the Democratic Unionist Party, tabled an ‘urgent question’ in the House of Commons about the Income Tax investigation at the BBC offices.
Shannon, Member of Parliament for Strangford constituency, questioned whether the High Commissioner of India will be summoned in this matter.
The British government said it was looking into the matter “closely”.
Critics have questioned the probe after the release of a documentary critical of Narendra Modi titled ‘India: The Moti Quest’.
“It is clear that this was a deliberate act of intimidation after the release of a documentary critical of the country’s prime minister,” Shannon said.
“After the release of the documentary, concerted efforts were made to prevent its screening. “Freedom of media and freedom of journalists have been suppressed.”
“More than ten people were arrested when students from various universities decided to telecast the documentary on the campus. In some places, electricity was cut off and internet access was disrupted.”
“This is a disenfranchisement of journalists, human rights activists and religious minorities. The survey was conducted seven days earlier. But the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has said nothing about it. The government has also not issued any statement in this regard,” he further said.
“Could the Minister tell us whether the High Commissioner of India has been summoned and whether he will raise the matter with the Indian Minister of External Affairs?” Shannon asked.
Dhanmanjit Singh Desi, an Indian-origin member of the Labor Party, also questioned the issue.
image source, BRITISH PARLIAMENT TV
Speaking later, Foreign Office Minister David Routley said, “The broad and deep bilateral relationship guided by the Comprehensive Strategic Alliance and the India-Britain Future Relationship Plan 2030 leads to fruitful discussions with the Government of India on a wide range of issues. We are actively monitoring this matter.” He said.
“The BBC is an institution that can operate independently without interference from the British government,” he said.
“I cannot comment on the allegation made by the Income Tax Department of India. The BBC said it is working in support of its staff in India offices and is fully cooperating with the Indian authorities to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
“Respect for law is an important aspect of democracy. So is freedom of media and freedom of speech. It makes the country stronger.” He said.
Shadow Minister (Member of the Opposition) Fabian Hamilton said, “In a democracy with true media freedom, criticism cannot be suppressed unnecessarily. Freedom of speech must be protected at all costs.” He said.
Further, “it is a matter of concern beyond the explanation given by the authorities as to why this income tax action took place,” he said.
“The BBC is internationally renowned as a prestigious broadcasting service that operates to a high standard and delivers reliable news. “The BBC should deliver its news without any threats.”
What did the Income Tax Department and the BBC say?
Sir Julian Lewis, a member of the Conservative Party, said the investigation was “deeply regrettable”.
IT officials raided BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai over three days last week.
India’s Central Board of Direct Taxes said, “A lot of evidence has been collected about the functioning of the company. Funds received from foreign companies were not declared as income in India and tax was not paid on it.
“Many inconsistencies and contradictions have been found. “Criminal evidence” collected through employees’ statements, digital traces and documents will be thoroughly scrutinized”
The BBC said it was cooperating with authorities.
What was in the BBC documentary?
The documentary highlights an ‘unpublished report’ obtained by the BBC from the British Foreign Office that raises questions about Modi’s actions during the 2002 Gujarat riots.
The riots started the day after a train carrying Hindu pilgrims was set on fire. Dozens were killed in it. More than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in the ensuing violence.
A Foreign Office statement said the violence was “directly responsible” for the “environment of impunity”.
In 2005, the United States denied Modi a visa under a law barring the entry of foreign officials deemed responsible for “serious violations of religious freedom.”
Narendra Modi has long denied the allegations against him and has not apologized for the riots. In 2013, a Supreme Court panel also said there was insufficient evidence to prosecute him.
BBC Tamil on Social Media: