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Delhi Education Dept Files Police Complaint Over Fake 'Dog Counting' Order for Teachers

The Directorate of Education in Delhi has filed a formal police complaint regarding the viral spread of false information claiming teachers were directed to count stray dogs. Officials clarified that a real circular focused solely on preventing stray dogs from entering school premises for student safety, with no mention of teachers counting animals. Despite issuing an official press note to debunk the claims, the department observed continued amplification of the false narrative and even instances of social media impersonation. The complaint seeks legal action under relevant laws against those responsible for creating and spreading the misinformation.

Key Points: Delhi Education Dept Files Police Complaint Over Fake Dog-Counting Order

  • Fake order claimed teachers must count stray dogs
  • Official circular was about student safety, not dog counting
  • Department filed police complaint for investigation
  • Misinformation continued despite official clarification
3 min read

Directorate of Education lodges complaint with Delhi Police against circulation of false and malicious information on social media

Delhi's Education Directorate files police complaint over false social media claims that teachers were ordered to count stray dogs, calling it fabricated and malicious.

"The claims being circulated are entirely fabricated, baseless and false - Director of Education"

New Delhi, January 1

The Directorate of Education, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, has taken serious cognisance of the circulation of false, misleading and malicious information on social and digital media platforms alleging that teachers of Government schools in Delhi were directed to count stray dogs.

Addressing the media today, the Director of Education categorically stated that no such order, instruction, circular or policy decision has ever been issued by the Directorate of Education. "The claims being circulated are entirely fabricated, baseless and false, and have no connection whatsoever with any official decision or directive of the Education Department," the Director said, as per the release.

It was clarified that a circular dated November 20, 2025, was issued solely in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court of India in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 5 of 2025, titled "City hounded by strays, kids pay price". The sole objective of the circular was to ensure the safety of students by preventing the entry of stray dogs into school premises through the deployment of security staff and appropriate access control measures, the release stated.

The Director emphasised that there is no mention whatsoever in the said circular of teachers counting stray dogs. The professional dignity, academic role and respect of teachers remain paramount and inviolable.

The Directorate further informed that, upon noticing the spread of the fake narrative, it had officially clarified the position through a press note dated December 30, 2025, clearly stating that no such directions had ever been issued by the Directorate of Education. "Despite this official clarification, the false and misleading content continued to be deliberately circulated and amplified, indicating malicious intent and a coordinated attempt to mislead the public," the release stated.

The Department has also observed instances of impersonation on social media, wherein individuals are falsely portraying themselves as teachers counting stray dogs through videos and reels. Such acts constitute serious offences.

In view of the above, the Directorate of Education has lodged a formal complaint with Civil Lines Police Station, North District, New Delhi, seeking an investigation into the origin, creation and amplification of the false narrative, the release said.

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

The Department mentioned that a list of social media handles involved in spreading such misinformation has been shared with the police.

The complaint highlights that the said acts attract provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Information Technology Act, 2000, including offences relating to criminal defamation, public mischief, forgery, impersonation and the publication or transmission of misleading electronic content.

The Directorate has requested the registration of an appropriate FIR against the persons responsible, a thorough investigation to identify the originators and forwarders of the false content, and strict legal action in accordance with the law to prevent the recurrence of such acts

"The DoE appeals to media organisations and citizens to verify information from official sources before publishing or sharing any content, particularly on sensitive issues related to education and student safety. The Directorate reaffirms its unwavering commitment to transparent governance, safeguarding students, upholding the dignity of teachers, and taking firm action against deliberate misinformation that undermines public trust and institutional credibility," the release stated.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally! Someone is acting against these misinformation peddlers. The original circular was about student safety, which is a genuine concern. Turning it into a joke about teachers counting dogs is disrespectful to the entire teaching community. Full support to the police complaint.
A
Aman W
While I agree fake news is bad, I hope this complaint doesn't become a tool to silence genuine criticism of the education department. The focus should be on the impersonators and those who created the fake videos, not on ordinary citizens who might have shared it out of concern.
S
Sarah B
The stray dog issue in Delhi is serious, especially near schools. The Supreme Court directive makes sense. It's unfortunate that a safety measure got twisted into such a bizarre story. Hope the police investigation finds the source quickly.
V
Vikram M
Good move. But let's be honest, the story went viral because people found it easy to believe. There's a trust deficit. The department should also work on better communication so that such fake narratives don't find fertile ground in the first place.
K
Kavya N
As a parent, my main concern is my child's safety in school. If the order was to keep dogs out, that's a good thing. This fake news just created unnecessary panic and diverted attention from the real issue. Shame on those who created it.

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