The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) had earlier issued a statement without naming the media organisation and said that I-T teams unearthed crucial evidence by way of statement of employees, digital proof and documents. Officials said the statement pertains to the BBC. The statement also said that the "survey operation was conducted in a manner so as to facilitate continued regular media/channel activity".

However, the report by BBC Hindi stated that?the journalists working in the Delhi office were stopped from writing anything about this survey. "Income Tax Department employees and policemen also misbehaved with many journalists," it added.

The broadcaster had earlier released a press statement saying that, "We are supporting staff - some of whom have faced lengthy questioning or been required to stay overnight - ?and their welfare is our priority. Our output is back to normal and we remain committed to serving our audiences in India and abroad."?

According to sources from the BBC, the situation was described as "stressful and disruptive" for their staff. Meanwhile, officials in New Delhi stated that the I-T surveys were being carried out to investigate concerns related to the international taxation and transfer pricing of BBC's subsidiary companies.

(With PTI inputs)