Mumbai: CBI Initiates Formal Complaint Against CBFC Employee Along With 3 Others In Mumbai Over Bribery Allegations

Mumbai, 6th October 2023: In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken a decisive step by registering a formal complaint against three individuals, in addition to employees of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Mumbai. The complaint alleges their involvement in demanding a bribe amounting to Rs 5 lakh from an actor associated with the South Indian film industry. As part of their investigation, the CBI has conducted raids at three different locations in Mumbai.

The alleged bribery incident traces its origins back to September 2023, when the accused individuals purportedly hatched a conspiracy. They are accused of soliciting a bribe of Rs 7 lakh from an actor in exchange for expediting the issuance of a film censor certificate for a movie dubbed in Hindi by the CBFC. According to the plaintiff actor, the accused demanded this sum on behalf of CBFC officials.

Following negotiations, the accused and the actor reportedly agreed upon the amount of Rs 6.54 lakh. Subsequently, the plaintiff actor deposited the specified sum into two unidentified bank accounts provided by the accused individuals.

On September 26th, it is alleged that the CBFC in Mumbai issued the required certificate for the Hindi-dubbed film. The bribe amount, it is further claimed, was promptly withdrawn in cash.

As part of its investigation, the CBI has conducted searches at four different locations, including Mumbai, associated with the accused individuals. Crucial pieces of evidence have been seized during these operations, and the CBI is actively pursuing further inquiries into the matter.