CBI carries out searches, registers case after actor Vishal alleges corruption in censor board

The CBI carried out searches in Mumbai after actor Vishal alleged that he paid Rs 6.5 lakh as bribe to get a certificate for his film “Mark Antony” from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) lodged a FIR against unnamed officials of the CBFC as well as three persons: Merlin Menaga, Jeeja Ramdas and Rajan M. Officials said on Thursday that the CBI has searched four locations in Mumbai.

“It was alleged that in September 2023, a private person entered a conspiracy with others to obtain a bribe of Rs 7 lakh and to get a censor certificate from CBFC, Mumbai, for a movie dubbed in Hindi,” a CBI spokesperson said.

The official said the accused initially demanded the bribe on behalf of CBFC officials before settling for Rs 6.54 lakh.

“... she allegedly accepted Rs 6,54,000 as bribe on behalf of CBFC, Mumbai officials in two bank accounts of the two other accused. Thereafter, the required certificate was allegedly issued by CBFC, Mumbai for said movie dubbed in Hindi.” An amount of Rs 6,50,000 was allegedly withdrawn immediately in cash, out of the Rs 6,54,000.

“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,” the CBI spokesperson said,

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

(With agency inputs)