Nawada: Just days after a pet dog named ‘Dog Babu’ was controversially issued a residence certificate in Bihar’s Patna district, a similar case has emerged in Nawada, prompting swift administrative and legal action.

An application was submitted on 29 July through the Right to Public Service (RTPS) portal in the name of “Dogesh Babu”, featuring a photograph of a dog and listing “Dogesh ke Papa” and “Dogesh ki Mummy” as the parents.

District Magistrate tweets about “copy dogs”

Nawada’s District Magistrate Ravi Prakash, an IAS officer from the 2016 batch, took immediate action. Sharing the details on social media platform X, Prakash commented: “Copycats... or rather copy dogs, were caught trying to apply for a residence certificate from Sirdala, Rajauli. FIR is being registered for lame and stale attempt at humour.”

In a more serious note, he added, “Such tampering with administrative processes is not acceptable under any circumstances. Action will be taken against the culprits.”

Ongoing investigation into 'Dog Babu'

The Nawada incident closely follows an earlier controversy in Masaurhi, Patna, where an actual residence certificate was processed and issued in the name of a pet dog. That application went viral, drawing nationwide ridicule and highlighting vulnerabilities in the RTPS system.

The Patna certificate has since been annulled, and disciplinary action is under consideration for the officials involved. Two government staff have already faced departmental consequences.

Rise in fake applications in the ‘Jamtara of Bihar’

The RTPS portal allows Bihar residents to apply online for essential documents like residence, caste, and income certificates. These are usually issued following a verification process. However, a surge in such pranks has coincided with the special revision of electoral rolls (SIR), during which residence certificates are one of 11 documents accepted by the Election Commission for voter registration.

Notably, in East Champaran, another recent case involved an application made in the name of “Sonalika Tractor”, using an internet photo of a Bhojpuri actress. As in previous cases, an FIR has been registered and cyber experts are assisting in tracing the culprits.

The Nawada district, which borders Jharkhand, has also developed a reputation for cybercrime, often dubbed the "Jamtara of Bihar", a nod to the neighbouring district known for online fraud schemes.

Cases emerge amid ongoing SIR row

These repeated incidents have prompted serious concerns over data integrity and digital governance in Bihar. Officials warn that the misuse of e-governance platforms could undermine public trust and lead to stricter scrutiny.

The Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments on what constitutes valid proof of identity for voter enrolment, with the Aadhaar card and ration card suggested as more accessible alternatives to the residence certificate — a document increasingly under scrutiny due to such misuse.