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In 2014, CBI had arrested former Censor Board CEO Rakesh Kumar for demanding Rs 70,000 as bribe for clearing a regional movie.
Former Censor Board CEO Rakesh Kumar
A special court on Tuesday dismissed the discharge plea of former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) CEO Rakesh Kumar Singh in a 2014 corruption case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had accused Singh of soliciting bribes in exchange for granting film censor certifications.
In 2014, the CBI had arrested Rakesh Kumar for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 70,000 for approving a regional film. Sources from the CBI confirmed that the arrest took place late in the evening in Mumbai, following the earlier arrest of two intermediaries who were reportedly collecting the bribe on Kumar’s behalf.
In the latest update, CBI Special Hudge S M Menjoge said in his order, “Demand of money by Rakesh Kumar is prima facie appearing. He was collecting the amount through his agents. Demand and acceptance of the amount can be proved by circumstantial evidence also as many times direct evidence is not available. It can be proved only after recording of evidence. Hence, there is sufficient material to frame charge. Therefore, he cannot be discharged as prayed.”
The CBI has filed charges against three individuals, including Rakesh Kumar Singh and a CBFC member, under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Singh, in his defense, argued that there was no concrete evidence linking him to the demand or receipt of a bribe. He further contended that, as the CEO of the CBFC, he was not the sole authority responsible for issuing film certifications, and thus, could not have solicited a bribe.
The CBI opposed Rakesh Kumar Singh’s discharge plea, presenting evidence that he had solicited a bribe through a co-accused in exchange for clearing the Chhattisgarh film Mor Dauki Ke Bihav for an early release in 2014. Additionally, the agency claimed that further evidence indicated Singh had received an iPad and a laptop in return for clearing a Tamil film.
The CBI alleged that Rakesh Kumar Singh disposed of incriminating articles in the Arabian Sea, with the bribe amount reportedly negotiated by various accused in exchange for expedited film certifications. However, Singh denied the claim, stating that no evidence had been recovered to support the accusation of discarding the items. The court noted that these matters could be addressed during the trial.
