After actor Vishal’s allegation, I&B Ministry deputes senior official to inquire into ‘corruption’ in CBFC
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Actor Vishal poses during the trailer launch of his movie “Mark Antony” in Mumbai on September 6, 2023.
| Photo Credit: AFP
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Friday deputed a senior official to conduct an inquiry into the allegation of corruption in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) made by Tamil actor-producer Vishal.
Noting that the issue raised by the actor was “extremely unfortunate”, the Ministry said that the government had zero tolerance for corruption, vowing that strict action would be taken against anyone found involved.
“A senior officer from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has been deputed to Mumbai to conduct an inquiry today itself. We request everyone to cooperate with the Ministry, by providing information about any other instance of harassment by CBFC at jsfilms.inb@nic.in,” the Ministry said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Bribe payment details
On September 28, Mr. Vishal had posted his allegation on the social media platform. “Corruption being shown on silver screen is fine. But not in real life. Can’t digest. Especially in govt offices. And even worse happening in #CBFC Mumbai office. Had to pay 6.5 lacs for my film #MarkAntonyHindi version,” he alleged.
The actor gave the transaction details of two payments, ₹3 lakh for screening and ₹3.50 lakh for a certificate for the film, made to the accounts of two people.
“…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…,” he had posted.