The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched an investigation into allegations made by Tamil actor Vishal regarding a Rs 6.5 lakh bribe paid to obtain a censor certificate for his Hindi-dubbed film, “Mark Antony.” The case involves three private individuals and unidentified public servants from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Mumbai.
According to the CBI, the alleged conspiracy unfolded in September 2023, when a private individual colluded with others to solicit a bribe of Rs 7,00,000 to secure the requisite censor certificate from the CBFC for the Hindi-dubbed movie. It is claimed that, as part of this scheme, she initially demanded a bribe of Rs 7,00,000 on behalf of CBFC Mumbai officials. Following negotiations, she reportedly accepted a bribe of Rs 6,54,000 on behalf of the CBFC Mumbai officials. The funds were deposited into two bank accounts held by two other accused individuals. On September 26, the CBFC Mumbai purportedly issued the required certificate for the Hindi-dubbed movie. In addition to the alleged bribe, the accused received Rs 20,000 in her bank account from a private company as coordinating fees. Out of the Rs 6,54,000 received, Rs 6,50,000 was promptly withdrawn in cash.
The CBI executed searches at four locations, including in Mumbai, at the residences of the accused and their associates. This operation resulted in the recovery of incriminating documents, according to the CBI.
The FIR names several individuals, including Merlin Menaga, Jeeja Ramadas, and Rajasn M, all of whom are suspected of having ties to CBFC officials, as well as unidentified CBFC officials. Actor Vishal publicly disclosed details of the alleged bribe transaction through a social media video.