Stray dog issued residence certificate in Bihar, cancelled within minutes; probe underway
Patna: In a bizarre and embarrassing episode for local authorities in rural Patna, Bihar, a residence certificate was issued last week in the name of a stray dog – identified as 'Dog Babu' – with the parents listed as 'Kutta Babu' and 'Kutiya Devi'. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and ridicule after images of the certificate, complete with the dog’s photograph, went viral on social media.
The document was generated in the Masaurhi circle, part of the sub-division of the same name, reportedly during a surge in applications linked to a special intensive revision of the electoral rolls. Under the Bihar Right to Public Service Act, residents can apply for such certificates online, which are supposed to be granted only after due verification. In this case, however, the vetting process appears to have been entirely bypassed.
Reacting to the public backlash, the district administration confirmed on Monday that the certificate, dated 24 July, was cancelled just two minutes after issuance, once the error was detected.
District Magistrate cites involvement of "mischievous element"
Patna District Magistrate, Thiyagarajan, described the matter as "very serious" and suggested the involvement of a "mischievous element". Speaking to reporters, he said: “The certificate was issued at 3:56 pm and cancelled at 3:58 pm. We suspect deliberate mischief, and necessary action is being taken.”
In the latest developments, a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against the applicant, the computer operator who entered the false details, and the official who approved the document without flagging the blatant irregularities. The administration disclosed that a preliminary inquiry by the Sub-Divisional Officer of Masaurhi revealed the application was submitted using an Aadhaar card belonging to a woman residing in Delhi.
As a result, the computer operator has been dismissed for negligence, while a recommendation has been sent to the state’s Revenue and Land Reforms Department to suspend the responsible official.
Furthermore, the cyber police station is now involved in tracing the origin of the fraudulent application. The District Magistrate confirmed that the administration is actively pursuing all individuals responsible, stating: “FIRs are being registered, suspensions are underway, and we are investigating the source and motive behind this stunt. Action will be taken against everyone involved.”
The incident has reignited concerns over flaws in the digital verification process, especially at a time when the Election Commission continues to reject Aadhaar and ration cards as valid proof of identity—despite recent suggestions from the Supreme Court to consider them.
(with PTI and ANI inputs)