CBI Takes Over Investigation Into Censor Board Bribery Allegations Levelled By Tollywood Actor Vishal

The CBI on Thursday has lodged an FIR against 3 persons and unidentified officials of the Central Board of Film Certification on the allegations of Tollywood actor Vishal that he had to pay Rs 6.5 lakh to get a certificate for his film “Mark Antony.”

The action was followed by searches at 4 locations in Mumbai, including the premises of the FIR-named accused persons.

The CBI has lodged the FIR against private persons Merlin Menaga, Jeeja Ramdas, Rajan M and unidentified public servants of the CBFC.

A CBI spokesperson stated, “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 lakh and to get the required censor certificate from CBFC, Mumbai for a movie dubbed in Hindi.”

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 Rs 6.54 lakh after negotiations.

The spokesperson for the federal agency stated in a statement, “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, 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 Rs 20,000 in her bank account from the account of a private company as coordinating fees for herself.”