How Are Fake Residence Certificates Still Emerging in Bihar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Fraudulent residence certificates have emerged in Bihar, raising serious concerns.
- Notable cases include applications with bizarre names and celebrity images.
- Authorities have initiated investigations and filed FIRs against involved individuals.
- Disciplinary actions against negligent officials have been implemented.
- There is an urgent need for improved verification processes in e-governance.
Patna, July 29 (NationPress) In a shocking series of fraudulent cases concerning residence certificates, Bihar has found itself embroiled in yet another controversy.
The latest incident occurred in Motihari, following a bizarre event in Masaurhi, Patna, where a certificate was issued in the name of “Dog Babu”. This new case emerged on Tuesday, revealing fabricated names and even a celebrity image.
Officials in East Champaran’s Kotwa block were taken aback upon receiving an online application for a residential certificate on July 17. The application featured the photo of Bhojpuri actress Monalisa, with the applicant named “Sonalika Tractor”, father’s name as “Swaraj Tractor”, and mother’s name as “Car Devi.” The police station area mentioned was Chhoudadano.
Upon further investigation, authorities confirmed that the application was completely fraudulent.
An FIR has been filed at Kotwa police station, and the issue has now been referred to the Cyber Crime Cell for an extensive investigation.
“A meeting was convened at the district headquarters in Motihari, and I have instructed strict actions against the offenders,” stated Saurav Jorwal, District Magistrate of East Champaran.
The fake application has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread discussions and criticism regarding the lax verification processes.
Earlier on Monday, a similarly outrageous situation arose in Masaurhi (Patna), where a residence certificate was issued for a dog.
This application was submitted using an Aadhaar card from a woman in Delhi, raising serious concerns about document verification.
Following an inquiry led by Patna District Magistrate Tyagarajan SM, strict measures were taken against the negligent officials. One revenue officer was suspended, and an IT assistant was terminated immediately.
An FIR was lodged against all individuals involved, including the applicant.
The DM described it as a deliberate act aimed at tarnishing the government’s image and assured that comprehensive investigations would proceed.
“Such actions were intentional, not accidental. We will pursue strict legal action against anyone found guilty,” remarked DM Tyagarajan SM during his visit to the Block-cum-Zone Office in Masaurhi.
Both cases reveal significant deficiencies in e-governance platforms and certificate issuance protocols.
Officials acknowledged that residence certificates were forwarded without any field verification, leaving the system vulnerable to abuse.
The state government has since suggested disciplinary action against responsible officials and stressed the necessity for enhanced digital verification measures.