Maharashtra Sports Commissioner Seeks Action Against Rajvardhan Hangargekar For Age Fraud

Maharashtra State Sports Commissioner Omprakash Bakoria has written to the BCCI seeking "strict action" against India U-19 World Cup-winning member Rajvardhan Hangargekar for age fraud. In a letter dated February 8, Bakoria wrote to BCCI secretary Jay Shah that the pacer had altered his birth date from January 10, 2001 to November 10, 2002 and was thus over-age when he competed in the recently-concluded U-19 World Cup.

"The conduct of Mr Rajvardhan Hangangekar is against the sports integrity and ethics. It deprives fair play and results into damages to the reputation of the nation. Therefore, you are requested to take strict action in accordance with the law," Bakoria wrote.

The letter has also been marked to secretary of Maharashtra Cricket Association Riyaz Bagban.

Bakoria further wrote, "As per the inquiry and the report, it reveals that Mr Rajvardhan Hangargekar has started his academic career from Terna Public School, Osmanabad. It is governed by the school code prescribed by the Government of Maharashtra." "At the time of admission of Rajvardhan Hangargekar in 1st standard at Terna Public School (primary division) Osmanabad, the date of birth is provided as 10/01/2001. The school record speaks that the birth date of Mr Rajvardhan Hangagekar up to seventh standard is recorded as 10/01/2001." The commissioner alleged that the school made "unauthorised corrections" to Hangargekar's birth date.

"As per the general register maintained by the Terna Public School, Osmanabad, his birth date is 10/01/2001. It appears unauthorised corrections (were) made by the Head Master and his birth date is recorded as 10/11/2002 at the time of fresh application for 8th standard." "If the headmaster requires any corrections in the birth