Fifteen individuals, including two government officials, have been apprehended in Uttar Pradesh on suspicion of orchestrating a significant wedding scam. The scheme came to light following the circulation of a video on social media depicting brides at a mass wedding event adorning themselves with garlands. Additionally, footage revealed some men disguised as grooms concealing their identities.
Wedding scam in UP
The communal wedding took place on January 25 in the Balia district of Uttar Pradesh, purportedly hosting approximately 568 couples. However, subsequent investigation revealed that several participants were compensated to pose as brides and grooms.
According to reports, both men and women were allegedly paid sums ranging from ₹500 to ₹2,000 to impersonate wedding participants. Vimal Kumar Pathak, a local resident, asserted, “Some women had no companions and were seen garlanding themselves. It came to our notice that individuals were being remunerated between ₹500 to ₹2,000.”
A 19-year-old man, Raj Kumar, disclosed that he was offered money to act as a groom. “I initially attended the event out of curiosity, but they insisted I participate and offered payment. Many others were coerced into participating as well,” he recounted.
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Notably, BJP MLA Ketki Singh served as the Chief Guest at the community wedding. When questioned about the alleged involvement of government officials in the fraud, Ms. Singh stated, “I was informed only two days prior to the event, and I harbored suspicions of impropriety. However, a thorough investigation is now underway.”
