UP Sanskrit Board topper to be stripped of cash prize over name, age fraud

In a recent development, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to revoke the cash prize, tablet, medal and certificate awarded to Rajneesh Yadav, a Class 12 Sanskrit Board examination topper, following an inquiry that found he had altered his name and date of birth by tampering with his Aadhaar card. The chief minister had presented Yadav with the Rs 1 lakh reward, tablet, medal and certificate in June for achieving first division in the state government's Uttar Madhyama examination.

The inquiry revealed that Yadav is actually Ajay Kumar, a resident of Baijalpur village, and that he had incorrectly listed his year of birth as 2010 instead of the actual year 1998. The matter came to light after the accused's relative, Jagat Prasad, lodged a police complaint. The education department initiated an inquiry and a two-member committee was formed to verify records and examine claims.

The state government has now ordered the recovery of Yadav's award and revoked the various gifts. Meanwhile, Ajay Kumar, who now stands accused of cheating and forgery, has been booked by the police. Jagat Prasad has demanded a thorough police investigation to ascertain how the accused forged the documents and whether any assistance was provided.

The police claim that Kumar's records in his ration card, electoral roll and examinations conducted by the Board of High School and Intermediate Education, Allahabad, and Purvanchal University all list his date of birth as May 13, 1998.