The Delhi Directorate of Education has approached the police after viral social media posts falsely claimed that government school teachers were assigned the task of counting stray dogs. The department has dismissed the allegations as “misleading, false and fabricated”.
A formal complaint has been filed at Civil Lines police station, seeking action against social media handles accused of creating and amplifying a narrative that caused confusion and concern among teachers and parents.
Directorate denies any such order
Director of Education Veditha Reddy clarified that no order, instruction or circular was ever issued directing teachers to count stray dogs.
“This is a deliberate and well-planned attempt to malign the department. It goes beyond routine criticism and amounts to a conspiracy to defame,” she said, adding that legal action would be pursued against those spreading false information.
How the controversy began
The issue surfaced after posts and short videos circulated online suggesting that teachers were being forced to count stray dogs on or near school premises. Despite an official clarification issued by the department on December 30, the claims continued to spread, prompting the Directorate to seek police intervention.
Officials said the misinformation led to unnecessary anxiety among school staff and parents.
Supreme Court circular misinterpreted
According to the department, the confusion likely arose from a circular issued on November 20, 2025, following directions of the Supreme Court in a suo motu case concerning stray dogs and child safety.
However, officials stressed that the circular was strictly about student safety and directed security staff, not teachers, to ensure stray dogs do not enter school premises by improving access control.
“There was no mention whatsoever of teachers being involved in any animal census. The academic role and dignity of teachers remain non-negotiable,” an official said.
Alleged impersonation on social media
The Directorate has also flagged cases where individuals allegedly impersonated teachers in social media reels, claiming they were counting dogs inside schools.
“These acts amount to serious offences,” officials said, adding that details of the social media accounts involved have been shared with the police.
FIR sought under BNS and IT Act
In its complaint, the department has requested registration of an FIR and a detailed probe into the origin and spread of the claims. The complaint cites provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, including sections related to defamation, impersonation and circulation of misleading electronic content.
Police are expected to examine the material and take further action as per law.