Infornation Ministry Suspends Censor Board Officer Rajasekaran: Arrested on bribery Charges

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Government of India has suspended the Regional Officer of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Rajasekaran from service, who was arrested by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on bribery charges.

CBFC officials in Chennai on Wednesday served the suspension order to him at the Puzhal Central Prison where he is presently lodged.

The CBI on July 27, arrested Rajasekaran on charges of accepting bribe.

According to sources in the agency, CBFC Regional Officer D. Rajasekaran (40), a 1998-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of the Punjab cadre, was detained soon after he was alleged to have received Rs. 10,000 bribe for viewing and certifying a film for release, in which State Information Minister Mr Parthi Ilamvazhthi's son starred.

Govindarajulu, executive producer of the film, lodged a complaint with the CBI's Anti-Corruption Branch that Rajasekar demanded Rs.10,000 to view the film and issue certificate.

The complainant had paid the mandatory fee of Rs.25,000 and approached the official for clearing the movie.

Claiming that there were many movies in the queue for certification, Rajasekaran allegedly insisted that he would not see the movie unless Rs.10,000 was paid as bribe. A special team formed to investigate the case apprehended him while accepting bribe.

A search was conducted in his office and residence. Rajasekaran was produced before a CBI special court and remanded to judicial custody.

Rajasekaran moved the court for bail twice; subsequently it was dismissed by the Principle Secessions Judge. Still he is in the prison.

Before taking up the assignment as Regional Officer in CBFC, Rajasekaran was Secretary, Animal Welfare Board of India. His wife is working as a lecturer in a government college.

- Asian Tribune -