Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday condemnedthe raids on the Dainik Bhaskar group of newspapers at multiple locations in the country by the
IT department and said it was an attempt to stifle democracy.
Reports said the Income Tax department was carrying out raids on the group at multiple
locations, including in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat." The attack on journalists & media houses is yet another brutal attempt to stifle democracy.
Dainik Bhaskar bravely reported the way @narendramodi ji mishandled the entire COVID crisis
and led the country to its most horrifying days amid a raging pandemic," Ms Banerjee, who is
also the chairperson of All India Trinamool Congress said in her twitter handle.
" 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," chief minister
added.
IT raids at newspaper group’s premises
It is to be noted that Income Tax searches commenced simultaneously early Thursday on at least a dozen premises of a major newspaper group in the Madhya Pradesh capital, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, NOIDA and numerous other places; sources revealed.
The group – having its headquarters at Maharana Pratap Nagar here – publishes in Hindi and regional languages. It is also associated with the academic and corporate sphere. Law-enforcement personnel are assisting the IT officers.