‘Dog Babu’ Gets Residence Certificate: Bihar’s Digital Blunder Goes Viral

Patna, July 28: In a bizarre episode that has put Bihar’s digital governance under scrutiny, a dog in Patna district was issued an official residence certificate through the state’s RTPS (Right to Public Services) portal. The certificate, processed by the Masaurhi Zone Office, included details such as the dog’s name — Dog Babu, father’s name Kutta Babu, mother’s name Kutiya Devi, and address as Kaulichak Mohalla, Ward No. 15, Masaurhi Municipal Council. Even more astonishingly, the document bore the digital signature of Revenue Officer Murari Chauhan and an official certificate number: BRCCO/2025/15933581.

The incident came to light when political activist Yogendra Yadav shared the certificate on social media, slamming the system. In a post on X, Yadav wrote, “See it with your own eyes! On July 24 in Bihar, a dog got a residence certificate issued. This is the same certificate that is being accepted under SIR, while Aadhaar and ration cards are being called fake.”

The case quickly triggered outrage and mockery online, with users questioning the reliability of government records and the efficiency of digital verification mechanisms. Many demanded penalties for submitting fraudulent applications and better oversight on public service portals.

In response, the Patna District Administration confirmed that an FIR had been filed against the applicant, the responsible computer operator, and the issuing officer. “The Sub-Divisional Officer of Masaurhi has been directed to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a report within 24 hours. Strict departmental and disciplinary action will follow,” a government spokesperson said.

The BJP also weighed in on the issue, stating that such incidents justify the need for the State Identification Register (SIR) to weed out fake beneficiaries. BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya accused certain political opponents of trying to communalize the matter, alleging that “foreign agencies and their informants in India” were fueling the controversy.

Social media users called for stronger checks, mandatory mobile number verification, and heavy fines for those abusing digital platforms. “This is not just a joke — it exposes the weakness of our administrative systems,” one user commented.

The incident has snowballed into a wider debate on the credibility of digital governance in Bihar, raising urgent calls for reform, transparency, and accountability. (Agencies)