NEW DELHI: Income Tax Department is continuing its search in Mumbai and Delhi offices. The officials had asked some employees to remain in office. There are indications that the BBC is planning to approach the Supreme Court against the inspection.

BBC has instructed employees to work from home today. They are fully cooperating with the officials. The BBC via twitter expressed hope that the problem can be resolved quickly. The BBC also stated that office operations will continue as usual.

Meantime, the United States responded that they are aware of the search and would not comment at this time. American spokesman Ned Price also stated that he supports the importance of free media activity around the world.

#WATCH | We are aware of the search of BBC offices in Delhi by Indian tax authorities. I would say more broadly that we support the importance of free press around the world: US State Dept Spokesperson Ned Price on IT survey at BBC offices in India pic.twitter.com/J6Jh1YFnTA

— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2023

The raid started at the BBC studio office in Santacruz Kalina, Mumbai under the leadership of the Income Tax officers of Delhi at around 11 am yesterday. After half an hour, eight officers reached the office at Delhi's KG Marg. The inspection under police guard continued throughout the night.

The doors were locked and the staff, including foreigners, were not allowed to go out. They collected information from account books, computers and mobile phones of employees.

Apart from English, BBC also has Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati and Punjabi channels in India. There was no inspection at the news office in Bandra West, Mumbai. The explanation of the Income Tax Department officials is that no raid has taken place and only the inspection (survey) is being conducted. Records of financial transactions were examined. Officials also clarified that the inspection is only in the business and accounts sections. The raid is also in the context of the screening of a documentary prepared by the BBC against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the Gujarat riots.