On 28 September, actor Vishal levelled serious allegations of corruption against the Mumbai office of CBFC.
Actor Vishal in 'Mark Antony'. (VishalKOfficial/ X)
On Thursday, 5 October, the CBI lodged an FIR against three persons and unidentified officials of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The FIR comes in the wake of the allegations made by actor Vishal that he had to pay ₹6.5 lakh to get a certificate for the Hindi version of his film Mark Antony.
The action was followed by searches at four locations in Mumbai, including the premises of the FIR-named accused persons.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) lodged the FIR against private persons Merlin Menaga, Jeeja Ramdas, Rajan M, and unidentified public servants of the CBFC.
“It was alleged that during the month of September 2023, a private person entered a conspiracy with others to obtain a bribe of ₹7 lakh and to get the required censor certificate from CBFC-Mumbai for a movie dubbed in Hindi,” a CBI spokesperson said.
He said it was also alleged that in furtherance of the said conspiracy, the accused initially demanded the bribe on behalf of CBFC-Mumbai officials, the amount of which was reduced to ₹6.54 lakh after negotiations.
Speaking further, the official said, “… she allegedly accepted ₹6,54,000 as bribe on behalf of CBFC, Mumbai officials in two bank accounts of the two other accused. Thereafter, on 26/09/2023, the required certificate was allegedly issued by CBFC, Mumbai for said movie dubbed in Hindi.”
“It was also alleged that in addition to the said amount, the said accused obtained ₹20,000 in her bank account from the account of a private company as coordinating fees for herself,” the spokesperson for the federal agency said in a statement.
On 28 September, actor Vishal levelled these serious allegations of corruption against the Mumbai office of CBFC.
Taking to social media platforms, Vishal said, “Had to pay 6.5 lacs for my film Mark Antony Hindi version. Two transactions. ₹3 Lakh for screening and ₹3.5 lakh for certification.”
He added, “Never faced this situation ever in my career. Had no option but to pay the concerned mediator Menaga because too much at stake since the movie released today.”
The actor also made public the names and bank account details of the individuals to whom the money had been transferred.
On 30 September, the I&B ministry said the government had zero tolerance for corruption and strictest action would be taken against anyone found involved.
Vishal expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for ordering an immediate inquiry into his corruption allegations against the Mumbai office of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
(With PTI inputs)
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