Claim
Several mainstream media outlets recently published a report claiming that Sheikh Salahuddin, also known as Sheikh Jewel, a cousin of Sheikh Hasina, changed his name to Bidhan Mallik in India. The same report included an Aadhaar card image as proof, where the name was listed as Bidhan Mallik, and the father’s name was recorded as Mudindranath Mallik.
See such reports here, here and here.
Following these reports, the claim spread widely on social media.
See viral social media posts here, here, here, here and here.
Newschecker has verified that this claim is false.
Fact
The authenticity of Sheikh Salahuddin’s viral Aadhaar card was investigated by examining the details on the card. The Aadhaar number was found to be fake, confirming that the card was not genuine.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues Aadhaar cards, which provide a unique 12-digit identification number to Indian citizens.
The Aadhaar number mentioned on the viral card, 844205675726, was checked multiple times on the official UIDAI website, but each attempt returned an “Invalid” result. Several members of Newschecker India’s team, including journalists, assisted in verifying the number through the UIDAI website.
We followed a specific verification process for the Aadhaar card. See details here and here
Below is an image of a genuine Aadhaar card for reference.
Therefore, the viral Aadhaar card claiming that Sheikh Salahuddin, cousin of Sheikh Hasina, changed his name to Bidhan Mallik is not real.
Result: False
Our Sources:
UIDAI
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