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.
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.
Also read: Delhi LG Sought ‘Factual Report’ On Health Infrastructure Of Delhi In His Letter To CM Kejriwal
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.”
As the nation marks 11 years under PM Modi's leadership, actress Hina Khan shares her…
Subhash Ghai has praised PM Narendra Modi’s leadership for catalysing India’s growth and changing the…
India and five Central Asian nations have agreed to deepen cooperation on rare earths and…
Prime Minister Modi has redefined Indian agriculture with the ‘Beej Se Bazaar Tak’ vision, transforming…
EV sales topped 4% of passenger vehicle retail in May 2025, signalling growing demand for…
One year into Modi 3.0, reforms have reduced poverty, strengthened defence, and accelerated the digital…