Raid on BBC offices in India raised in British Parliament, Foreign Secretary responds

National Desk:
The IT raids on the BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai were raised in the British Parliament.  Members of Parliament have demanded a statement from the Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Secretary on the matter.
 British House of Commons member Jim Shannon asked the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to make a statement on allegations of tax evasion following raids on BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai and a BBC documentary on the Gujarat riots.
 In response, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development Affairs said the raids on BBC offices in New Delhi and Mumbai were described as surveys, which began on 14 February and ended three days later on 16 February.  
 The BBC said it was supporting its staff in its Indian offices and working with Indian authorities to resolve the matter as soon as possible.  The rule of law is an essential element for effective democracy, as is free media and freedom of expression.  They make countries stronger and more resilient.