NEW DELHI, Feb. 20 -- The word survey means "to examine and record the area and features of a place so as to construct a map, plan, or description". It also means "to collect data over a period in order to assess them and reach a conclusion".

The word raid means "a rapid surprise attack on an enemy by troops, aircraft, or other armed forces". In the civil context, it means sending a large number of officers to an office or home to collect evidence, without giving time to the people concerned to hide or camouflage wealth or data".

The Income Tax Department says it did not conduct a "raid" on the offices of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in Delhi and Mumbai. What it conducted was a "survey". What exactly did the department do...