IT raids in Dainik Bhaskar Group, one UP channel offices

The Dainik Bhaskar Group has been accused of tax evasion, NDTV reported.

The raids were conducted in 35 locations of Dainik Bhaskar in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

The homes and offices of the particular group's promoters were also raided.

An Income Tax team searched the Lucknow office of Bharat Samachar, a channel in Uttar Pradesh, and also its editor's home for the examination of tax documents.

Congress senior leader Jairam Ramesh felt Dainik Bhaskar has been politically targeted for reporting on the "COVID-19 mismanagement" by the Modi government.

Ramesh tweeted, "Through its reporting Dainik Bhaskar has exposed the Modi regime’s monumental mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now paying the price. An Undeclared Emergency as Arun Shourie has said — this is a Modified Emergency."

In the same tune, West Bengal Chief Minister and Modi's arch-rival Mamata Banerjee tweeted, "The attack on journalists & media houses is yet another BRUTAL attempt to stifle democracy. #DainikBhaskar bravely reported the way @narendramodi ji mishandled the entire #COVID crisis and led the country to its most horrifying days amid a raging pandemic."

"I strongly condemn this vindictive act that aims to suppress voices that bring out the TRUTH. It's a grave violation that undermines the very principles of democracy. Urging everyone in the Media to stay strong. Together we shall never let the autocratic forces succeed!"