Dog Gets ID Before Voters in Bihar!

A bizarre and shocking case has emerged from Patna, Bihar, where a residential certificate was issued in the name of a dog. The incident took place at Masaurhi Block’s revenue office, where officials registered a certificate under the name “Dog Babu,” listing “Kutta Babu” as the father and “Kutia Devi” as the mother. To add to the mockery, the photograph attached to the document was that of an actual dog, and the address mentioned was Kaulichak, Ward 15, Masaurhi.

The certificate, dated 24 July, was processed through the official RTPS (Right to Public Service) portal and digitally signed by a revenue officer named Murari Chauhan. The case has surfaced during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list by the Election Commission in Bihar, where lakhs of applicants are currently waiting for their residential documents to register for voting.

Under the SIR campaign, several districts including Masaurhi are witnessing a surge in residential certificate applications, a requirement to enroll in the updated electoral roll. Despite claims from government officials that every applicant undergoes proper verification, this incident has left many questioning the integrity of the system and the accountability of the people behind it.

In contrast, many genuine voters across Bihar are facing difficulties in getting the correct documents approved. Without valid ID proof, they are at risk of being excluded from the upcoming electoral process. Yet, a document of such importance was issued to a pet dog, sparking outrage across social media and public forums.

After the document went viral and public outrage intensified, the certificate was quietly revoked. The digital signature of the approving officer was reportedly removed from the system to cover up the blunder. However, another concerning revelation has also surfaced—officials were seen filling out voter registration forms on behalf of applicants, a task that should be done by the voters themselves.

This gross negligence and disregard for legal process have drawn heavy criticism. Experts warn that such procedural lapses may open the door to voter and identity fraud ahead of the Bihar Vidhan Sabha elections in November 2025. Many now believe the flaws in the SIR process are too deep to ignore, calling the voter registration drive unreliable and biased.

With widespread public reaction, the irony couldn’t be more glaring—while a dog can get a valid residential certificate in Bihar, countless real voters, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, are still struggling to claim their rightful place in the electoral process.