India, Aug. 5 -- Authorities in Bihar's Khagaria district have uncovered a spate of fake online applications for residence certificates under absurd and fictitious names, including "Shri Ram", "Kawwa" (Crow), and "Mata Sita". The fraudulent submissions were made via the state's RTPS (Right to Public Services) portal.

The controversy comes as opposition parties, including Congress, are protesting the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of assembly elections. Opposition leaders allege that residence certificates like these are being misused during the voter verification process.

One of the earliest flagged applications was submitted on December 12, 2024, under the name "Kaua." The form ...