Calling the income tax raids on a news portal office "a clampdown on free press", Amnesty India on Thursday said the authorities are attempting to silence anyone expressing views critical of the government.
"The Income Tax Department's search on Quintillion Media Private Ltd, which runs a news website 'The Quint', and the homes of its owners, Raghav Bahl and Ritu Kapoor, indicates a clampdown on the free press," Aakar Patel, Executive Director of Amnesty India, said in a statement.
"It raises disturbing questions on whether the news website is being targeted for speaking truth to power. It appears that the authorities are attempting to silence anyone expressing views that are critical of the government," he said.
Income Tax officials on Thursday carried out "surveys" at the residence and office premises of Bahl over alleged tax evasion.
--IANS
nks/shs/mr
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app