ED files case against BBC for irregularities in foreign funds

For irregularities in foreign funding, the Enforcement Directorate has filed a case against BBC India under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

According to official sources, the action was taken to investigate irregularities in foreign funding by BBC India, diversion of funds, and violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA). The move follows Income Tax searches at the British broadcaster’s offices in New Delhi and Mumbai in February of this year.

The broadcaster came under the scrutiny of Indian authorities after it aired a contentious documentary titled ‘India: The Modi Question,’ which drew harsh criticism from the Indian government and tarnished the country’s image.

Following an investigation by the Income Tax Department, the ED had previously served summons on BBC, requesting an investigation into the matter.
At ED’s headquarters in London, an officer from the BBC’s administrative and editorial departments is being questioned.

Soon after the documentary sparked controversy, the government directed social media platforms to block YouTube videos and Twitter posts with links to it in January.

The documentary, which questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role in the Gujarat riots of 2002, was widely panned by the Indian government and several sections of the Indian public. The BBC was accused of spreading false news and propaganda, and the Indian government accused it of attempting to destabilise the country.