"Was Told Can't Speak To Lawyer": Newslaundry Co-Founder On Tax "Survey"
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Newslaundry co-founder Abhinandan Sekhri said he was ordered to "hand over my phone" and that "... in my understanding this... violates my fundamental right to privacy"
A day after Income Tax officers spent over 12 hours at the offices of news websites NewsClick and Newslaundry - calling it a "survey" linked to tax evasion allegations - Newslaundry co-founder Abhinandan Sekhri tweeted to say "... was told I cannot speak to my lawyer... the law requires me to comply without seeking legal advice". Thanks again for your support. My statement is below. You can support us herehttps://t.co/lefMXTG3xwPlease spread the message. ???????? pic.twitter.com/YCDni2AIKi The team from the IT department just left. Thank you all for your support & concern & the hundreds of missed calls & texts. I will issue a statement tomorrow. Am sure our team at @newslaundry didn't slack off & did what they signed up to do - awesome journalism. Lage raho.... Mr Sekhri also said he was ordered to "hand over my phone" and that data on personal electronic devices was downloaded; "... in my understanding this... violates my fundamental right to privacy", he added. "A team from the Income Tax department came to the registered office of Newslaundry at approximately 12:15 in the afternoon of September 10 and conducted a 'survey' under Section 133A... They left the premises at around 12:40 on September 11. I was told I cannot speak to my lawyer and have to hand over my phone," Mr Sekhri tweeted. "... was told the law requires me to comply without seeking legal advice. They searched and looked through all computer devices at the premises. My personal mobile phone and laptop and a couple of office machines were taken control of and all data on them downloaded by the IT team. In my understanding this (taking all data from my personal mobile phone and laptop) violates my fundamental right to privacy," he wrote.More Related News