New Delhi:The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a case against the BBC India for alleged irregularities related to foreign funding under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), said officials. This comes after the British broadcasters had published a controversial documentary titled 'India: The Modi Question' which was criticised by the Indian government for tarnishing the country's image.
Sources said the editorial and administrative departments of BBC have been asked to appear before ED. The agency has asked for documents and will record statements under the provisions of the FEMA, said an official. The Income Tax Department had earlier conducted a survey after which, which ED had ordered an inquiry into the matter and summons were also sent to the BBC. Officials said investigations were on.
In February, the Income Tax officials had conducted search operations at BBC's New Delhi and Mumbai offices. Prior to which, it had also directed for blocking the YouTube videos and Twitter posts that had links to the controversial documentary on the social media. Infact, the government had ordered Twitter to block more than 50 tweets with links to the documentary.