CBI files case over actor Vishal’s Censor Board bribery allegations
The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case against three private persons and several unknown people, including the officials of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), over actor Vishal’s allegation that he had to pay a bribe of ₹6.5 lakh to get a censor certificate for the Hindi version of his film, Mark Antony.
The Hindi version of the film was released on September 28.
“It was alleged that during the month of September, 2023, a private person entered a conspiracy with others to obtain a bribe of Rs.7,00,000/- & to get the required censor certificate from CBFC, Mumbai for a movie dubbed in Hindi,” CBI said in a statement.
“It was further alleged that in furtherance of the said conspiracy, she initially demanded bribe on behalf of CBFC Mumbai officials amounting to Rs.7,00,000/- from the Complainant and subsequently after negotiation, she allegedly accepted Rs.6,54,000/- as bribe on behalf of CBFC Mumbai officials in two bank accounts of other two accused,” it added.
The agency said the accused allegedly obtained ₹20,000 in her bank account from a private company.
The agency conducted searches at four places in Mumbai that were linked to the accused and others. They recovered incriminating documents.
Those booked have been identified as Merlin Menaga, Jeeja Ramdas and Rajan M.