The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached immovable properties worth ₹5.37 crore in connection with an alleged ₹30.18 crore fraud involving Madhya Pradesh’s Marriage Assistance Scheme, where investigators are examining 5,923 suspicious cases linked to allegedly fraudulent disbursal of government funds.
The attachment order was issued by the ED’s Bhopal zonal office on October 30 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The agency is probing allegations that financial assistance meant for eligible beneficiaries was diverted through forged documents, fabricated applications and bank accounts opened using other people’s credentials.
The investigation has named former Janpad Panchayat Sironj chief executive officer Shobhit Tripathi and others in connection with the alleged laundering of funds.
5,923 Suspicious Cases Linked to ₹30.18 Crore Disbursal
According to the ED investigation, Tripathi, who served as CEO of Janpad Panchayat, Sironj, from 2019 until November 2021, allegedly colluded with others to approve and disburse around ₹30.18 crore through 5,923 suspicious marriage-assistance cases.
Under the state scheme, financial assistance of ₹51,000 is provided for the marriage of daughters of registered construction workers.
Investigators allege that forged and fabricated application forms were used to claim benefits for people who were not eligible under the scheme.
The case originated from an FIR registered by the Economic Offences Wing in Bhopal against Tripathi and others under provisions relating to cheating and criminal breach of trust, along with sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The EOW investigation allegedly uncovered irregularities in the processing and disbursal of assistance. The ED subsequently initiated a money-laundering investigation to trace the proceeds of the alleged crime.
Bank Accounts Allegedly Opened Without Beneficiaries’ Knowledge
The ED found that bank accounts were allegedly opened using the credentials of purported beneficiaries without their knowledge.
According to the agency, these accounts were created specifically to receive government assistance under the marriage scheme.
Once the money was credited, the funds were allegedly withdrawn in multiple cash instalments, making it more difficult to trace where the money ultimately went.
The agency also found that financial assistance had allegedly been extended to ineligible people during the Covid-19 lockdown period, when public marriages were prohibited.
Investigators are examining how the applications were approved, how beneficiary credentials were obtained and who ultimately received the withdrawn funds.
The alleged use of multiple accounts and immediate cash withdrawals has become a key part of the money-laundering probe.
Properties of Former CEO and Associate Attached
The ₹5.37 crore in properties provisionally attached by the ED includes immovable assets held in the names of Shobhit Tripathi and his associate Hemant Sahu.
Searches conducted earlier in connection with the case had led to the recovery of documents and other materials that the agency described as incriminating.
Tripathi was arrested on September 2, 2026 under the provisions of the PMLA and remains in judicial custody.
The agency is continuing its investigation to identify the wider network allegedly involved in the fraudulent disbursal of public funds and to trace additional proceeds of crime.
The case highlights how a welfare scheme intended to support eligible families can allegedly be manipulated through forged documentation, misuse of beneficiary credentials and rapid cash withdrawals designed to obscure the money trail.
Further investigation is underway into the role of other individuals allegedly involved in processing the applications, opening bank accounts and moving funds generated through the suspected fraud.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
