In a shocking incident, a brother and sister reportedly married each other in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras to fraudulently receive government benefits intended for newlywed couples.
The case is part of a larger scam involving several married couples tying the knot again under the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana scheme to claim financial aid.
This state-run mass marriage scheme is designed to support low-income families by providing financial assistance for weddings. Under the scheme, Rs 35,000 is deposited into the bride’s account, essential household items worth Rs 10,000 are provided, and Rs 6,000 is allotted for wedding expenses.
The fraud was exposed after a complaint from local residents, following which the local SDM took action and ordered an investigation.
According to reports, two married couples of Sikandrarao were remarried under the scheme. However, the most shocking revelation was that of a brother and sister who tied the knot in order to claim the financial benefits. Local residents raised the issue with the SDM, leading to an order for an investigation.
According to reports, complainants alleged that a municipal employee arranged these fraudulent marriages to get money under the community marriage scheme.
Notably, a mass marriage event was organised in Hathras on December 15, 2023 during which 217 couples were married.