The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched an investigation into a case involving three private individuals and unnamed public servants of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Mumbai
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Mumbai crime news: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched an investigation into a case involving three private individuals and unnamed public servants of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Mumbai. The investigation stems from a complaint filed alleging a conspiracy to obtain a bribe of Rs 7,00,000 in exchange for securing a censor certificate from the CBFC for a Hindi-dubbed movie.
According to the complaint, the conspiracy unfolded during the month of September 2023, when a private individual is believed to have colluded with others to facilitate the issuance of a censor certificate for a movie dubbed in Hindi. The CBI has acted to address these allegations of corruption within the CBFC, a regulatory body responsible for certifying films for public exhibition.
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The identity of the private individuals involved and the public servants implicated in the case remain undisclosed as the investigation is ongoing.
On September 29, actor-producer Vishal Krishna Reddy, popularly known as Vishal, accused the Central Board of Film Certification of corruption. In a video shared on X, he highlighted an incident that took place at the Mumbai branch of CBFC. Vishal revealed that he had to pay Rs. 6.5 lacs to attain certification for the Hindi release of his film, Mark Antony.
In his video, Vishal addressed the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Calling it a scam, the actor said, "We applied for a certificate online and we had to come in last minute due to some technical issue. But, we were taken aback by what happened at CBFC office in Mumbai. When my person visited the office, we were given an option to pay the price of ₹6.5 lakh and get the certification the same day. We were left with no option."
He added, "We were supposed to give Rs. 3 lacs for the screening to happen at the CBFC and another Rs. 3.5 lacs to get the certificate." Vishal claimed in the video that a woman from the CBFC office in Mumbai said that it was common practice for filmmakers to pay Rs. 4 lacs when they submitted films 15 days ahead of the release date. He further shared, "We had no option, we paid the money in two instalments. If this is the case in government offices, I really request higher authorities to look into this matter."
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Sharing details of the bank accounts to which the money was sent, Vishal wrote on X, "#Corruption being shown on silver screen is fine. But not in real life. Cant digest. Especially in govt offices. And even worse happening in #CBFC Mumbai office. Had to pay 6.5 lacs for my film #MarkAntonyHindi version. 2 transactions. 3 Lakhs for screening and 3.5 Lakhs for certificate. Never faced this situation ever in my career. Had no option but to pay the concerned mediator #Menaga coz too much at stake since movie released today. Bringing this to the notice of Hon Chief Minister of Maharashtra and my Hon PM Narendra Modiji. Doing this is not for me but for future producers. NOT HAPPENING. My hard-earned money gone for corruption ??? No way. Evidence down for all to hear. Hope truth prevails as always." (With inputs from agencies)
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