In a significant setback for Rakesh Kumar Singh, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), a special CBI court has dismissed his plea for discharge in a 2014 bribery case. The court found sufficient evidence to proceed with charges against him.
Singh stands accused of corrupt practices, including demanding a bribe of Rs 70,000 through his associate Shripati Mishra for expedited issuance of a Censor certificate for the Chhattisgarhi film “Mor Dauki Ke Bihaw.” The order, passed by Special Judge for Central Bureau of Investigation cases S M Menjoge, highlighted that the evidence suggests a clear demand for money by Singh, facilitated by his agents.
The prosecution detailed how Singh allegedly exploited his position, arguing that despite his claims, the CEO plays a critical role in the certification process. Contrary to Singh’s defense, where he stated that a randomly chosen screening committee issues certificates, the court maintained that his direct involvement in the corrupt practices was evident.
Further complicating Singh’s defense, the investigation unearthed that he had accepted high-value items like an iPad and a Lenovo laptop as bribes for clearing another film, “Anjaan.” These items were purportedly thrown into the Arabian Sea, an act intended to obliterate any incriminating evidence, according to the CBI’s allegations.
