'Some mischievous element behind it': Patna DM on residence certificate issued in name of 'Dog Babu'; probe ordered

NEW DELHI: Patna District Magistrate Thiyagarajan revealed on Monday that a residence certificate was fraudulently issued under the name 'Dog Babu' in Bihar's Patna district, suspecting mischievous elements behind the incident. The certificate, which was issued and canceled within two minutes on July 24, has sparked concerns about the security of the Right to Public Services portal.The certificate that circulated on social media showed 'Dog Babu' as a resident of Masaurhi, featuring a dog's picture in the top corner. The document listed the parents' names as 'Kutta Babu' (father) and 'Kutiya Devi' (mother)."The matter is very serious. Some mischievous element has made such an attempt. The certificate was issued on July 24 at 3.56 pm and was immediately cancelled within two minutes at 3.58 pm," the District Magistrate stated.The administration has initiated swift action, working with the Cyber police station to track down the suspects. Officials involved in the negligence are facing disciplinary measures."Whoever is involved in this, FIR is being filed against them, and action is being taken against them. The process to suspend them is underway. Through the cyber police station, we are also trying to find out who did this and why such an application was filed. We will investigate and take action against all those who are behind this," the official added.The district administration has ordered a Sub-Divisional Officer level inquiry into the incident, requiring a detailed report within 24 hours."The Sub-Divisional Officer, Masaurhi, has been directed to conduct a detailed investigation of the entire matter and submit a report within 24 hours. Departmental and disciplinary action will be taken against the guilty employees and officers," the administration stated.Swaraj Party leader Yogendra Yadav criticized the incident, highlighting its implications for the Special Intensive Revision exercise by the Election Commission of India."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.The Election Commission of India reported that the Special Intensive Revision exercise, conducted from June 24 to July 25, saw a 91.69 percent participation rate, with over 7.24 crore electors submitting enumeration forms out of 7.89 crore registered voters in Bihar.