'Dog Babu' in Bihar gets a residence certificate. Parents cited as 'Kutta Babu', 'Kutiya Devi'

A dog in Patna was recently issued a residential certificate during Bihar’s ongoing intensive voter revision campaign. The incident, which came to light after the certificate went viral on social media, has prompted top district officials to take swift action, confirming its cancellation and promising strict measures against those responsible.

The certificate, issued on July 24 from the RTPS (Right to Public Services) counter at Masaurhi Zone Office, listed the applicant as “Dog Babu,” with “Kutta Babu” and “Kutiya Devi” named as the father and mother, AajTak reported. The address mentioned was Kaulichak Ward 15, Masaurhi. A photograph of a dog was affixed in place of the applicant’s image. The document also carried the digital signature of revenue officer Murari Chauhan.

Jokes erupted on X as the news of 'Dog Babu' went viral. "Only in India," remarked journalist Rajdeep Sardesai. User Satyaagrah (@satyaagrahindia) called it a shocker and added that it was evidence of " bureaucracy gone wild". TMC leader Nilanjan Das (@NilanjanDasAITC) commented, "A dog named 'Dog Babu', son of 'Kutta Babu' and 'Kutiya Devi', has been listed as a valid resident in Bihar by the NDA govt. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India has excluded 77 lakh genuine citizens who have Aadhaar, EPIC, ration card, and PAN. It’s a ruthless farce to erase voters and rig elections."

Residency certificate cancelled

Speaking to AajTak, Masaurhi circle officer Prabhat Ranjan confirmed that the certificate was cancelled on Sunday evening and the digital signature of the revenue officer was removed from the RTPS portal. Patna district magistrate Dr Tyagarajan SM has taken cognisance of the matter and assured strict action against those responsible.