New Delhi/Udaipur, November 30, 2025 —
In one of its most dramatic money-laundering busts this year, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) uncovered ₹331 crore funneled into the frozen bank accounts of a Rajasthan bike driver, exposing a sprawling hawala and shell-company network allegedly used to finance a lavish 2024 Udaipur wedding of a politically connected family.
The raids, conducted on November 29 across multiple locations in Udaipur and Delhi, were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Investigators found that the bike driver served as a front, with his accounts used to circulate massive funds generated through fake invoices in the construction and gems sectors.
Shell Firms, Fake Bills, and a ₹50-Crore Diamond Purchase
According to sources, the high-profile wedding—attended by nearly 5,000 guests—featured ₹50 crore in diamond jewelry, ₹2 crore fireworks, and extravagant hospitality expenses. The money trail revealed 10 shell companies involved in diverting funds using fabricated bills and bogus trade entries.
During the searches, the ED recovered:
₹5 crore in cash,
200 kg of gold,
Ledgers and digital records tracking overseas remittances to Dubai,
Crypto transaction logs used to mask illicit transfers.
Key Accused and Political Links
ED officials confirmed the arrest of businessman Rajendra Singh Shekhawat, alleged mastermind of the laundering chain. The bike driver worked for a relative of an NCP leader, bringing political scrutiny onto the case.
ED Director Sanjay Kumar Agarwal stated that the network moved black money through hawala agents, cryptocurrency channels, and Dubai-based shell fronts, describing it as “one of the most sophisticated laundering operations” uncovered in 2025.
Political Reactions and Ongoing Probe
The exposé has triggered a political storm in Rajasthan’s mining belt:
BJP leader CP Joshi demanded a CBI probe, citing deep political nexus.
Congress denied any association with the accused and labeled the allegations “politically motivated.”
Courts have granted a seven-day ED remand, as investigators scrutinize financial trails across real estate, gems trade, and offshore accounts.
The case forms part of the ED’s wider 2025 crackdown, which has resulted in ₹10,000 crore worth of assets seized or frozen this year alone. Experts argue the scandal underscores the urgent need for stricter caps on wedding expenditures to limit cash-driven laundering practices.
