Bhopal: The alleged fake IAS officer Tripti Singh Rajput fraud case has widened across Bhopal and Ashoknagar, with police investigating multiple complaints involving government job promises, commercial deals and impersonation of senior officials.
Tripti Singh Rajput and her brother Sudhanshu Singh Rajput allegedly posed as senior government officials and used fake credentials to gain the trust of job seekers and investors. Police have also arrested their alleged driver, Bhupendra Bairagi.
₹9.80 Lakh Job Fraud in Chanderi
The investigation began with a complaint in Chanderi, where unemployed youths allegedly paid money after being promised government jobs.
According to the complaint, the accused allegedly demanded ₹3 lakh per candidate. On April 7, 2025, victims allegedly handed over ₹9.80 lakh in cash, along with original educational and identity documents, at Kila Kothi in Chanderi. They were allegedly asked to pay another ₹2 lakh after receiving appointments.
After approaching the police, complainant Jai Kumar Koli and others reportedly helped investigators set up a trap. Acting on the directions of Ashoknagar SP Rajiv Mishra, Chanderi Police allegedly called Tripti and Sudhanshu back on the pretext of meeting new job candidates.
The siblings were arrested when they allegedly arrived to collect more money.
Fake IDs and Luxury Items Recovered
After securing three-day police remand, investigators searched Tripti’s residence in Bag Mugalia’s Sant Asaram Nagar and her in-laws’ house in Alkapuri, Bhopal.
Police reportedly recovered fake CBI identity cards, official-looking letterheads and customised trophies and mementos allegedly used to establish an image of government authority.
A golden shield carrying Tripti’s name and the Ashoka emblem was also reportedly recovered.
Investigators also found receipts for expensive iPhones, five-star hotel bills and air travel tickets. Police are examining whether the money allegedly collected through the fraud was used to fund a lavish lifestyle.
Government-Branded Vehicle Seized
Police also arrested alleged driver Bhupendra Bairagi from Ayodhya Nagar in Bhopal.
A luxury Toyota Innova was seized during the investigation. According to the case details, the vehicle carried a prominent “Government of India” plate, which investigators suspect was used to create an impression of official authority.
₹39.17 Lakh Bhopal Complaint
The case expanded after another complaint was registered at Baghsewania Police Station in Bhopal.
A complainant allegedly told police that Tripti presented herself as an Additional Director-level official and claimed she could arrange long-term commercial leases for Madhya Pradesh Tourism hotels and resorts.
The complainant allegedly paid ₹35.30 lakh for a resort lease agreement and ₹3.87 lakh for job placements, taking the alleged loss to ₹39.17 lakh.
Further complaints have reportedly emerged, taking the alleged amount involved across separate cases to more than ₹50 lakh.
Police are also investigating the alleged involvement of other associates, including Tanuj Baishya and Anjali Singh.
BNS Charges and Judicial Custody
The accused face charges under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 319(2) for cheating by personation and Section 61(2) relating to criminal conspiracy.
Section 238 was also added after investigators reportedly found photocopies instead of some original documents allegedly taken from victims, raising suspicion that the originals may have been destroyed.
After police remand ended, Tripti Singh Rajput, Sudhanshu Rajput and Bhupendra Bairagi were produced before the court. Their bail pleas were rejected and they were sent to judicial custody.
The investigation remains underway, with police examining additional complaints, financial transactions, documents and the possible role of other people connected to the alleged racket.
Read Also: 21 UP Officers Retire in Major Superannuation Exercise: 3 IAS, 10 IPS and 8 PPS Officers
