He topped UP’s Sanskrit exam, got Rs 1 lakh. Then an Aadhaar probe changed everything

The matter came to light following a police complaint by the accused’s relative, Jagat Prasad.

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Following the allegations, the education department had ordered an inquiry and constituted a two-member committee to verify the records and examine the claims. “We checked the relevant documents and other details and found the allegations to be true. We submitted our findings to the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), who forwarded the report to the department headquarters in Lucknow,” said Ashok Kumar, principal of a government higher secondary school in Pratapgarh and a member of the inquiry panel. Another panel member was government college principal Vindhyachal Singh.

The state government has ordered the recovery of the Rs 1 lakh cash prize awarded to ‘Rajneesh’, along with the return of the tablet, medal and certificate presented to him.

“We visited his house to recover the items, but it was locked,” Kumar said.

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Jagat Prasad demanded a thorough police investigation to establish how the accused prepared the alleged forged documents. He said it needs to be investigated whether anyone else directed or helped him in the process.

The police have booked Ajay Kumar on charges of cheating and forgery.

According to the police, Jagat Prasad stated that Ajay Kumar passed his High School and Intermediate examinations conducted by the Board of High School and Intermediate Education, Allahabad, and his graduation examination from Purvanchal University, and in all those records, his date of birth is May 13, 1998.

His name in the ration card is also recorded as Ajay Kumar, son of Harilal, with the date of birth as May 13, 1998. His name also appears as Ajay, son of Harilal, in the electoral roll as well, he said.