Patna, Bihar – July 28, 2025 – A bizarre incident in Bihar’s Patna district has ignited widespread criticism and raised serious questions about the security and credibility of the Right to Public Services (RTPS) portal. A residence certificate has reportedly been issued to a dog named “Dog Babu” in Masaurhi, prompting swift action from the authorities.
The certificate, which quickly went viral on social media platforms, astonishingly lists ‘Dog Babu’ as a resident of Masaurhi and features a picture of a dog in the top right corner where the applicant’s photo should be. Adding to the absurdity, the document even names its parents as ‘Kutta Babu’ (father) and ‘Kutiya Devi’ (mother).
Taking immediate cognizance of the egregious error, the Patna district administration announced on Monday that the fraudulent residence certificate has been canceled. Furthermore, an FIR (First Information Report) has been registered at the local police station against the applicant who sought the certificate, the computer operator who processed the application, and the official who ultimately issued the document.
The official handle of the Patna district administration confirmed these actions on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “In the Masaurhi region, a case has come to light involving the issuance of a residence certificate in the name of ‘Dog Babu.’ As soon as the matter came to notice, the said residence certificate was cancelled. Additionally, an FIR is being registered at the local police station against the applicant, the computer operator, and the officer who issued the certificate.”
In addition to the criminal charges, the district administration has initiated a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) level inquiry into the matter. The SDO of Masaurhi has been directed to conduct a detailed investigation and submit a report within 24 hours. The administration vowed that “Departmental and disciplinary action will be taken against the guilty employees and officers.”
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from political figures, with Swaraj Party leader Yogendra Yadav mocking the Bihar government. Yadav highlighted that this is the same type of residence certificate that has been requested from voters in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Bihar.
“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 in Bihar under SIR, while Aadhaar and ration cards are being called fake. Check the photo and name yourself: ‘Dog Babu’, father’s name ‘Kutta Babu’, mother’s name ‘Kutiya Babu’, and address – Kaulichak Mohalla, Ward Number 15, Masaurhi Municipal Council. The certificate number is BRCCO/2025/15933581,” Yogendra Yadav posted on X, questioning the state’s verification processes.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) had announced on Sunday that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, held from June 24 to July 25, saw significant public participation. Out of 7.89 crore registered voters in Bihar, over 7.24 crore electors submitted their enumeration forms, reflecting a 91.69% participation rate. The ECI described the SIR as a “massive and successful citizen participation effort” aimed at enhancing the accuracy of electoral rolls ahead of upcoming assembly elections. However, the “Dog Babu” incident now casts a shadow over the integrity of the data collected through such processes.