ED Nabs Key Accused in MP Rs 30 Crore Fake Marriage Scam

The Cliff News | 9 September 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken significant action in the high-profile Chief Minister's Daughter Marriage Assistance Scheme scam in Madhya Pradesh, arresting the main accused, Shobhit Tripathi, former CEO of Sironj Janpad Panchayat. The operation is part of an ongoing investigation into a financial fraud totaling ₹30.18 crore involving fabricated marriages.

The ED conducted raids across seven locations in Bhopal, Vidisha, and Chhatarpur as part of its crackdown under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Tripathi, identified as the central figure in the alleged scam, has been taken into custody following extensive investigations.

Details of the Scam Uncovered

The scam, which operated between 2019 and November 2021, saw a staggering 5,923 suspicious or fake marriages being registered on the government portal with falsified documentation. This fraudulent activity occurred within the Sironj Janpad Panchayat in the Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh.

A sum of ₹51,000, intended per beneficiary under the scheme, was allegedly disbursed to ineligible and fictitious individuals. Investigations reveal that these funds were subsequently withdrawn through ATMs and bank accounts, and then transferred into the accounts of Shobhit Tripathi, his relatives, and associates.

Money Laundering and Asset Diversion

The laundered money, procured through this scheme, was reportedly used for personal expenditures, investments in the stock market and mutual funds, and the acquisition of immovable properties. This highlights a sophisticated operation aimed at siphoning public funds for private gain.

The ED's recent action involved simultaneous raids on seven premises, where several incriminating digital devices and property-related documents were seized. Initial findings also led to the freezing of substantial amounts of money found in the bank accounts of the accused.

Key Accused in Custody

The arrest of Shobhit Tripathi is a crucial development based on a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Madhya Pradesh Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW). Tripathi had previously spent approximately one and a half years in jail in connection with the case. Upon his release, he was reportedly attached to the District Panchayat in Harda.