Directorate of Education Files Police Complaint Over False Information on Social Media

Delhi Education Department Denies Reports of Teachers Counting Stray Dogs, Files Police Complaint

The Directorate of Education for the Delhi government has strongly refuted widespread claims on social media alleging that teachers in government schools were instructed to count stray dogs. Officials have denounced these reports as “fabricated, baseless and false” and have taken legal action against those spreading the misinformation.

During a press conference held in New Delhi on Saturday, the Director of Education emphatically stated that no such directives were ever issued by the department. “These claims have no connection whatsoever with any official decision or directive of the Education Department,” the Director clarified, according to an official release.

The controversy stems from misrepresentations of a circular issued on November 20, 2025. The department explained that this document was created solely in response to Supreme Court directions in the case titled “City hounded by strays, kids pay price” (Suo Motu Writ Petition No. 5 of 2025). The actual purpose of the circular was to enhance student safety by implementing measures to prevent stray dogs from entering school premises.

“The circular only directed security staff to implement appropriate access control measures. There is absolutely no mention of teachers being tasked with counting stray dogs,” a senior official emphasized. The department stressed that maintaining teachers’ professional dignity and academic role remains a top priority.

The situation escalated despite the department issuing an official clarification on December 30, 2025. According to officials, the persistent spread of misinformation after this clarification points to a “coordinated attempt to mislead the public” with malicious intent.

Particularly concerning to authorities are instances of individuals on social media platforms impersonating teachers and creating videos purportedly showing them counting stray dogs. Such actions could constitute serious legal offenses, officials warned.

In response, the Education Department has filed a formal complaint with the Civil Lines Police Station in North Delhi, seeking investigation into the creation and amplification of the false narrative. The department has provided police with a list of social media handles allegedly involved in spreading the misinformation.

“A formal complaint has been filed with the Delhi Police. The Department is fully cooperating with the investigation,” said Sushil Singh, Director of Information & Publicity. “The Education Department will not remain silent against any deliberate misinformation. Teachers’ dignity and students’ safety are non-negotiable.”

The complaint cites potential violations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000. These may include criminal defamation, public mischief, forgery, impersonation, and transmission of misleading electronic content – all serious offenses under Indian law.

The Directorate has requested authorities to register an appropriate First Information Report (FIR) against responsible individuals, conduct a thorough investigation to identify both the originators and those who forwarded the false content, and take legal action to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The false narrative comes at a time when stray dog management remains a contentious issue in many Indian cities, including Delhi. Urban areas across the country have struggled to balance humane animal control with public safety concerns, particularly regarding children.

The Education Department has appealed to media organizations and citizens to verify information from official sources before publishing or sharing content, especially regarding sensitive issues related to education and student safety. Officials reiterated their commitment to transparent governance, student protection, and upholding teachers’ dignity in the face of what they describe as deliberate attempts to undermine public trust.