• By Kamal Kumar
  • Thu, 05 Oct 2023 02:23 PM (IST)
  • Source:ANI
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The Central Bureau of Investigation, on Thursday, took over the investigation into the 'Censor Board' bribery case in which Tamil actor Vishal levelled allegations of corruption against the film certification board and others. Central probe agency lodged a case against three named and several unknown persons including people from the Central Board of Film Certification for alleged corrupt practices.

The accused in CBI's FIR include Merlin Menaga, Jeeja Ramdas and Rajan M.

Also Read: 'Justice Will Be Served': Tamil Actor Vishal Thanks PM Modi, I&B Ministry As CBFC Assures Action In Corruption Case

The action from the CBI pertains to an allegation made by Chennai-based actor and producer Vishal that he had to pay a bribe of Rs 6.50 lakh for the certification of the Hindi version of his film 'Mark Antony'.

On September 29, actor Vishal posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) in which he alleged rampant corruption in government offices and that he had to pay Rs 6.5 lakh for the certification of his film.

"Corruption being shown on the silver screen is fine. But not in real life. Can't digest it. Especially in govt offices. And even worse happening in the #CBFC Mumbai office. Had to pay 6.5 lacs for my film #MarkAntonyHindi version," he wrote.

In September of this year, an individual allegedly conspired with others to solicit a bribe of Rs 7 lakh and secure the necessary censor certificate from CBFC, Mumbai, for the Hindi-dubbed version of the movie. The accusation suggests that, as part of the conspiracy, she initially demanded Rs 7 lakh on behalf of CBFC Mumbai officials from the complainant.

Following negotiations, she reportedly accepted Rs. 6.54 lakh as a bribe, deposited in two bank accounts belonging to two other accused. Subsequently, on September 26, CBFC Mumbai allegedly issued the required certificate for the Hindi-dubbed movie.

Additionally, it was claimed that the accused received Rs 20,000 in her bank account as coordinating fees from a private company. Immediately after, Rs 6,50,000 of the Rs 6,54,000 allegedly received was withdrawn in cash. Searches at four different locations, including the accused's premises in Mumbai, resulted in the discovery of incriminating documents.