Archive · 23 Aug 2026
UP Orders Recovery of Sanskrit Topper’s Awards Over Identity Fraud
A student called Rajneesh received awards for doing very well in a Sanskrit examination.
The awards included money, a tablet, a medal and a certificate.
The government later checked his identity documents.
Officials said his real name may be Ajay Kumar.
They said one document listed his birth year as 2010, while other records listed 1998.
The government ordered him to return the awards while the allegations were investigated.
A two-member panel was formed to check the records and claims.
The awards had been presented by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in June.
The Uttar Pradesh government ordered recovery of the Rs 1 lakh prize and return of the tablet, medal and certificate awarded to Rajneesh Yadav.
An inquiry reportedly found that Rajneesh Yadav was actually Ajay Kumar from Baijalpur village, Pratapgarh.
Officials said his Aadhaar records showed a 2010 birth year, while other records listed his birth date as May 13, 1998.
His name was reportedly recorded as Ajay Kumar, son of Harilal, on a ration card and as Ajay, son of Harilal, on the electoral roll.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented the awards in June after Rajneesh topped the Class 12 Sanskrit Board examination in first division.
- Who
- The Uttar Pradesh government, Rajneesh Yadav—identified by officials as Ajay Kumar—and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
- What
- The government ordered recovery of the prize and other awards after an inquiry reportedly found alleged changes to the student’s name and birth date.
- When
- The recovery order was issued on Thursday, months after the awards were presented in June.
- Where
- The case involves Pratapgarh and Baijalpur village in Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- Officials said the student allegedly used altered identity details, including a different name and birth year, to qualify for the award.
- Cash prize
- Rs 1 lakh
- Awards to be returned
- Tablet, medal and certificate
- Identity reported by officials
- Rajneesh Yadav was reportedly Ajay Kumar, son of Harilal
- Birth date in other records
- May 13, 1998
- Birth year on Aadhaar, according to officials
- 2010
- Examination
- Uttar Madhyama Class 12 Sanskrit Board examination
- Inquiry
- A two-member panel was constituted to verify records and examine the claims
