ED conducts searches in MP over Rs 30.18 Cr PMLA case linked to Janpad Panchayat CEO Shobhit Tripathi and others.

Headnote:

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bhopal, carried out coordinated searches on 03.10.2025 across seven locations in Bhopal, Vidisha, Katni, and Chhatarpur under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The operations targeted Shobhit Tripathi, former CEO of Janpad Panchayat Sironj, and his associates, following an FIR registered by the Economic Offense Wing, Bhopal under IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The searches uncovered incriminating documents, digital devices, and led to freezing of bank accounts and mutual funds worth Rs 21.7 lakh. The investigation revealed that Tripathi, in collusion with data operators, misappropriated approximately Rs 30.18 crore from the Marriage Assistance Scheme, diverting funds from eligible beneficiaries to ineligible accounts, and subsequently layering the proceeds through relatives’ accounts, investments, and property acquisitions. Further investigation is ongoing.

Background:

ED launched the investigation based on an FIR filed against Shobhit Tripathi and others for fraudulently diverting government funds under the Marriage Assistance Scheme in Madhya Pradesh from 2019 to November 2021. Tripathi, colluding with data entry operators Yogendra Sharma and Hemant Sahu, manipulated records to siphon off Rs 30.18 crore meant for 5923 beneficiaries. The fraud involved unauthorized fund transfers from government accounts, multiple ATM withdrawals, and redepositing the proceeds into personal and relatives’ accounts. The illicit funds were further layered through investments in mutual funds, shares, and real estate to disguise the crime proceeds.

Conclusion:

The ED, under PMLA, seized property papers, digital devices, and froze financial assets worth Rs 21.7 lakh belonging to Tripathi and his associates. The case highlights large-scale corruption and misuse of government schemes. Investigation is ongoing, and further enforcement actions are expected against Tripathi, his family, and related entities involved in laundering the misappropriated funds.

Case Details:

Agency: Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bhopal

Date of Search: 03.10.2025

Locations: Bhopal, Vidisha, Katni, Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh)

Accused: Shobhit Tripathi (Former CEO, Janpad Panchayat Sironj), Yogendra Sharma, Hemant Sahu, and others

Acts Invoked: Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002; IPC Sections; Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

Amount Involved: Rs 30.18 crore (approx.), with Rs 21.7 lakh frozen during the operation

Scheme Misused: Marriage Assistance Scheme, M.P. Government