NEW DELHI, July 22:
The Income Tax Department today conducted raids across several States against prominent media group Dainik Bhaskar as well as Uttar Pradesh-based TV channel Bharat Samachar for alleged tax evasion, drawing a sharp response from several quarters, sources said.
The raids against the multi-media Dainik Bhaskar group — which has presence in 12 states and runs newspapers as well as operates radio stations, web portals and mobile phone apps — were taking place in 30 locations, including Bhopal, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Noida, sources said.
The searches started around 5.30 am and were going on till evening.
“The group is also involved in textiles and mining businesses and the department is also looking into these transactions,” an official said on condition of anonymity.
There was no official word from the Income Tax Department or its policy-making body, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), on the searches targeting the promoters and staffers of Dainik Bhaskar and Bharat Samachar.
The issue was raised in the Rajya Sabha. It also came in for wide condemnation from several leaders, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Rajasthan’s Ashok Gehlot and Delhi’s Arvind Kejriwal.
“Agencies are doing their own work and there is no interference in them.” Union Minister Anurag Thakur said in response to the criticism
“… one should take complete information and sometimes many issues come up that are far from truth…,” he said, replying to a question on the Congress’ allegation that the raids were intended to throttle the voice of democracy.
Both Dainik Bhaskar and Bharat Samachar have been critical of the COVID-19 management in the country and done numerous stories highlighting the failings of authorities and the distress of people during the second wave of the pandemic. (PTI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
