I-T department finds 'irregularities on certain tax payments' after surveying BBC offices

The Indian Income Tax department issued a statement on its surveys at the offices of BBC in Delhi and Mumbai.

The I-T department said that it was found "irregularities on certain tax payments" by the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) after suverying its offices for three days.

“During the course of the survey, the Department gathered several evidences pertaining to the operation of the organization which indicate that tax has not been paid on certain remittances which have not been disclosed as income in India by the foreign entities of the group,” the income tax department said.

"Further, the survey has also thrown up several discrepancies and inconsistencies with regard to Transfer Pricing documentation.

"I-T teams unearthed crucial evidences by way of statement of employees, digital proof and documents," CBDT said.

BBC employing 'dilatory tactics' to delay probe

The department also accused BBC staffers of employing "dilatory tactics" or efforts to delay an investigation.

"Despite such stance of the group, the survey operation was conducted in a manner so as to facilitate continued regular media/channel activity," the tax department said in a statement.

BBC documentary row

The I-T department's survey comes in the wake of the controversial two-part documantery made by the BBC on the 2002 Gujarat riots.

According to tax experts, the survey conducted under section 133A of the IT Act is usually a precursor to a search and seizure operation; it takes place only at business premises.