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

Delhi Education Directorate Refutes False Claims About Teachers Counting Stray Dogs

The Directorate of Education for Delhi has firmly denied allegations circulating on social media that government school teachers were instructed to count stray dogs. Officials have labeled these claims as “entirely fabricated, baseless and false” and have taken legal action against those spreading the misinformation.

During a press conference, the Director of Education emphatically stated that no orders, instructions, circulars, or policy decisions have ever been issued directing teachers to perform such duties. The clarification comes amid widespread sharing of videos and posts across social media platforms that purportedly show teachers engaged in dog-counting activities.

The controversy stems from a misrepresentation of a legitimate circular dated November 20, 2025. This document was issued in compliance with Supreme Court directions in a case titled “City hounded by strays, kids pay price” (Suo Motu Writ Petition Civil No. 5 of 2025). According to the Directorate, the circular’s actual purpose was to enhance student safety by preventing stray dogs from entering school premises through improved security measures and access controls.

“The professional dignity, academic role and respect of teachers remain paramount and inviolable,” the Director emphasized, addressing concerns about the potential undermining of educators’ professional standing.

The Department noted that despite issuing an official clarification through a press note on December 30, 2025, the false narrative continued to spread, suggesting what officials describe as “malicious intent and a coordinated attempt to mislead the public.”

Particularly troubling to authorities is the emergence of individuals impersonating teachers on social media. These accounts have posted videos and reels falsely depicting themselves as government teachers counting stray dogs—actions the Directorate considers serious offenses.

In response, education officials have filed a formal complaint with the Civil Lines Police Station in North Delhi. The complaint includes a comprehensive list of social media accounts involved in disseminating the misinformation and requests a thorough investigation into the origins of the false narrative.

The Directorate has asked police to register an FIR (First Information Report) against those responsible, citing potential violations under multiple laws including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000. Specific offenses mentioned include criminal defamation, public mischief, forgery, impersonation, and the transmission of misleading electronic content.

This incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation on social media platforms in India, where false narratives can spread rapidly and potentially damage public institutions’ credibility. The Delhi government’s response represents an increasingly common approach by authorities to combat digital misinformation through legal channels.

The situation also underscores tensions surrounding the management of stray dogs in urban areas—a sensitive issue in many Indian cities where dog populations have created both public health and safety concerns.

In its statement, the Directorate of Education urged media organizations and citizens to verify information through official channels before sharing content, particularly regarding sensitive matters involving education and student safety. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to transparent governance, protecting students, maintaining teacher dignity, and taking decisive action against deliberate misinformation campaigns that undermine public trust.

The investigation into the sources and amplifiers of the false claims is ongoing, with authorities promising to pursue legal remedies to discourage similar misinformation campaigns in the future.