Rohtas: In addition to the list of bizarre applications received amid the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive of the voter list in Bihar, an applicant named 'Cat Kumar' has now applied for a residence certificate in the state.
The Rohtas district police have launched an investigation into the case. As per the image circulating online, the listed applicant's mother's name is mentioned as 'Catiya Devi' and father's, 'Catty Boss'.
Have a look at it here:
The unusual request was filed through the RTPS portal and reached the office of Nasriganj Revenue Officer Kaushal Patel, who then flagged it to the police. Rohtas District Magistrate Udita Singh ordered immediate action, and registered a case against unknown individuals.
Here's What Officials Said
In a letter to police, Patel said the prank had “obstructed official work” and appeared to be “a conspiracy to tarnish the image of the government and public services.” He noted that the application carried fake details and a fabricated photograph, misusing the state’s digital service system.
Authorities suspect that such antics could be aimed at undermining the SIR process, a statewide exercise which requires all eligible citizens to re-submit age and residence proof. RTPS in-charge Srishti Sagar confirmed the cat application was cancelled on August 4 and reported to cyber police. “It is possible this was done to influence the intensive revision programme,” Sagar said, as quoted by ANI.
Not the First Digital Prank in Bihar
The incident comes on the heels of a series of digital mischiefs targeting Bihar’s online documentation system. Just last month, Masaurhi officials discovered a residence certificate issued to a dog named 'Dog Babu', complete with canine photo. Another followed in Nawada under the name 'Dogesh Babu', which the district magistrate himself shared online to highlight the absurdity.
Earlier this week, officials in Samastipur caught an application in the name of US President Donald Trump, featuring a doctored Aadhaar number and his photograph. That, too, was cancelled and an FIR lodged.
While many on social media have found the 'Cat Kumar' episode amusing, officials are concerned about misuse of the portal at a time when thousands of genuine applicants still struggle to meet documentation requirements for the SIR.
