ED Attaches Properties Worth ₹5.37 Crore in ₹30.18 Crore Madhya Pradesh Marriage Assistance Scheme Fraud
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Bhopal, has provisionally attached properties valued at approximately ₹5.37 crore in connection with an alleged large-scale fraud involving Madhya Pradesh government’s Marriage Assistance Scheme. The investigation concerns the suspected fraudulent disbursement of ₹30.18 crore through 5,923 suspicious marriage assistance cases between 2019 and 2021. The alleged irregularities took place during the tenure of former Sironj Janpad Panchayat Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shobhit Tripathi and his associate Hemant Sahu. The agency has initiated action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, to trace and secure assets allegedly linked to the proceeds of crime.
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh : The Enforcement Directorate’s Bhopal office has taken action in an alleged financial fraud involving Madhya Pradesh government’s Marriage Assistance Scheme by provisionally attaching properties worth ₹5.37 crore.
The action has been taken under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, following an investigation into the suspected fraudulent distribution of government funds under the welfare scheme.
According to the investigation, approximately ₹30.18 crore was allegedly disbursed through 5,923 suspicious marriage assistance cases between 2019 and 2021. The alleged irregularities are linked to the tenure of former Sironj Janpad Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Shobhit Tripathi and his associate, Hemant Sahu.
The ED is examining how government funds meant to support eligible beneficiaries were allegedly diverted through questionable applications and financial transactions.
₹30.18 Crore Allegedly Disbursed Through Suspicious Applications
The Madhya Pradesh government’s Marriage Assistance Scheme was introduced to provide financial support to eligible beneficiaries for marriage-related expenses.
However, the investigation has raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the implementation of the scheme during the period between 2019 and 2021.
Investigators are examining 5,923 suspicious marriage assistance cases through which a total amount of approximately ₹30.18 crore was reportedly disbursed.
The alleged fraud involves suspected misuse of the welfare scheme and the disbursement of public money through cases that are now under scrutiny.
The agency is attempting to establish how these applications were processed, who benefited from the transactions and whether government funds were diverted through an organised arrangement.
Former Panchayat CEO and Associate Under Investigation
The alleged financial irregularities are connected to the period when Shobhit Tripathi served as the Chief Executive Officer of Sironj Janpad Panchayat.
His associate, Hemant Sahu, has also been named in connection with the investigation.
The ED is examining their alleged roles in the suspicious disbursement of funds and the financial transactions associated with the scheme. Investigators are also looking into the possible movement and utilisation of money generated through the suspected fraudulent activities.
Properties Worth ₹5.37 Crore Provisionally Attached
As part of its money-laundering investigation, the ED has provisionally attached immovable and other properties valued at approximately ₹5.37 crore.
The attachment is aimed at preventing the suspected proceeds of crime from being transferred, sold or otherwise disposed of while the investigation continues.
Under the PMLA, the agency can provisionally attach properties suspected to be connected with proceeds of crime, subject to the prescribed adjudication and legal procedures.
ED Continues Investigation into Welfare Scheme Fraud
The Enforcement Directorate is continuing its investigation to trace the complete financial trail of the alleged ₹30.18 crore fraud. The agency is examining the suspicious marriage assistance cases, the disbursement records and the transactions connected with the suspected irregularities.
The investigation seeks to establish how public funds intended for eligible families were allegedly misused and whether the attached properties were acquired using proceeds generated through the suspected fraud.
The case has brought attention to the importance of transparency, proper verification and financial accountability in the implementation of government welfare schemes.
Further investigation is underway to establish the roles of the individuals concerned and identify the complete extent of the alleged financial irregularities.
News Source: Enforcement Directorate (ED) – Official Press Release
