Bhopal: An RTI application filed by the husband of alleged fake IAS officer Tripti Singh Rajput reportedly helped expose her claim of being an IAS officer, as investigators uncovered forged government documents and other material allegedly used to create the appearance of an official identity.
Rajput, who was arrested in connection with cheating and impersonation cases, allegedly presented herself as a trainee IAS officer and Additional Director in the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department. Police investigations have since revealed multiple alleged instances of fraud, with the total amount involved reported to be around ₹1.5 crore.
Husband’s RTI Raised Questions About Her IAS Claim
According to reports, Rajput’s husband became suspicious of her claim that she was an IAS officer and sought information through an RTI application from LBSNAA in Mussoorie.
The academy’s response reportedly did not support her claim of having undergone the training associated with the Indian Administrative Service. The response subsequently became a key development in questioning the identity she had allegedly presented to others.
The case had already attracted police attention after videos featuring Rajput and other women, in which they allegedly presented themselves as IAS officers, surfaced on social media.
Fake Government Documents Recovered
Police searches reportedly led to the recovery of material allegedly used to reinforce Rajput’s claimed government identity.
Among the material reported to have been recovered were:
- Fake government identity cards
- Government-style letterheads
- Appointment-related documents
- Material portraying her as a trainee IAS officer
- A vehicle carrying a “Government of India” marking
A separate report said a training kit containing photographs from Mussoorie and mementoes was recovered from her in-laws’ residence. The material was allegedly used to support her claim of being an IAS officer.
Police are also examining digital evidence recovered during the investigation. The Indian Express reported that files had allegedly been deleted from a laptop before her arrest.
Alleged Fraud Through Government Job and Tourism Promises
Investigators have linked Rajput to multiple alleged cheating cases in Madhya Pradesh.
Police allege that she used her purported position as an IAS officer and Additional Director in the Tourism Department to gain the trust of job seekers and people interested in tourism-related business opportunities.
Reported cases include:
- Chanderi: Police alleged that four people were promised government jobs and paid around ₹9.80 lakh, along with their original documents.
- Bhopal: A separate case reportedly involves an alleged ₹49 lakh payment made on the promise of securing a tourism department hotel lease.
- Another Bhopal case: Reports have also mentioned an alleged fraud of around ₹50 lakh linked to promises involving an MP Tourism property.
The separate complaints mean the exact total amount allegedly involved in the wider case is still a matter for investigation. Reports have described the alleged fraud as running into crores.
Social Media Videos Also Came Under Police Scanner
Rajput’s social media activity became another part of the investigation after a video emerged in which she appeared to present herself as an officer while visiting what was claimed to be the Madhya Pradesh Assembly.
Police later said the location shown in the video was not the Assembly but a gallery at the Anthropological Museum complex in Bhopal. The video helped investigators trace and examine her alleged activities.
Reports have also said that Rajput and two other women appeared in videos portraying themselves as IAS officers. The identities and roles of the other women are also being examined.
Brother Sudhanshu Singh Also Facing Investigation
Rajput’s brother Sudhanshu Singh was arrested with her in connection with the Chanderi case.
Police are examining whether he allegedly assisted in approaching victims, arranging documents or handling transactions connected with the fraud cases. His name has also surfaced in subsequent Bhopal complaints.
The investigation is also examining whether other people were involved in the alleged operation.
Civil Services Aspirants Also Allegedly Targeted
Police have reportedly found that Rajput also interacted with civil services aspirants while allegedly presenting herself as someone associated with an administrative academy.
According to The Hitavada, she allegedly delivered lectures at coaching institutes in Bhopal, discussing civil services preparation and career choices. Police are examining these activities as part of the wider investigation.
Investigation Into the Alleged Fake Identity Continues
The investigation has now expanded across Bhopal and Chanderi, with police examining alleged forged credentials, financial transactions, electronic evidence, social media activity and the possible involvement of other people.
Rajput and the other accused remain accused in the cases, and the allegations against them are subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
