CBI takes over investigation into Censor Board bribery allegations levelled by actor Vishal
Oct 05, 2023
New Delhi [India], October 5 : The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case against three persons and unknown others, including the Central Board of Film Certification and Mumbai public servants, for alleged corruption.
The three private persons named in the CBI investigation include Merlin Menaga, Jeeja Ramdas and Rajan M.
This comes after Chennai-based actor and producer Vishal alleged that he had paid Rs 6.50 lakh for the screening and certification of the Hindi version of his film 'Mark Antony'.
According to the allegation in September this year, a private person entered a conspiracy with others to obtain a bribe of Rs 7 lakh and to get the required censor certificate from CBFC, Mumbai for a movie dubbed in Hindi.
It was further alleged that in furtherance of the said conspiracy, she initially demanded bribe on behalf of CBFC Mumbai officials amounting to Rs7 lakh from the complainant and subsequently after negotiation, she allegedly accepted Rs.6.54 lakh as bribe in two bank accounts of other two accused.
Thereafter on September 26, the required certificate was allegedly issued by CBFC, Mumbai for the movie dubbed in Hindi.
It was also alleged that in addition to the said amount, the said accused obtained Rs 20,000 in her bank account from the account of a private company as coordinating fees for herself.
An amount of Rs 6,50,000 was allegedly withdrawn immediately in cash, out of the Rs 6,54,000.
Searches were conducted at four different locations including in Mumbai at the premises of accused and others associated with the accused which led to recovery of incriminating documents.
The investigation is continuing.
On September 29, actor Vishal had posted a message on his X app. "Corruption being shown on silver screen is fine. But not in real life. Can't digest. Especially in govt offices. And even worse happening in #CBFC Mumbai office. Had to pay 6.5 lacs for my film #MarkAntonyHindi version," he alleged.
