The Delhi government’s Directorate of Education (DoE) has filed a police complaint demanding legal action against individuals spreading false information online. The DoE states misinformation circulated on social media claims teachers were directed to count stray dogs near schools. The complaint was lodged at the Civil Lines police station.
Misinformation and Official Denial
Education Director Veditha Reddy addressed a press conference, clarifying the situation. Reddy stated the claims about teachers counting stray dogs are "completely false and fabricated." She confirmed no such directive was issued by the directorate. Reddy emphasized teachers’ roles are limited to academic activities.
The DoE alleges this misinformation has confused parents and teachers. The department also reported instances of individuals impersonating teachers to make and share videos of dog counting on social media. Digital evidence, including social media posts and timelines, has been compiled and submitted to the police.
The formal complaint submitted states "false, misleading and malicious information" is circulating on social media. It highlights "deliberate attempts" to spread fabricated news with "malafide intent." The DoE believes this aims to cause panic, damage the department’s reputation, and disrupt public trust in government institutions.
Legal Action Sought
The DoE has requested a First Information Report (FIR) be registered. They seek a thorough investigation to identify the originators and sharers of the false content. The complaint mentions specific legal provisions under which action is sought:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS):
- Section 353(2): Defamation by publishing false statements harming a public authority.
- Section 196: Making and circulating statements leading to public mischief and fear.
- Sections 221 and 299: Forgery and false electronic content intended to harm reputation.
- Information Technology Act, 2000:
- Section 66D: Cheating and impersonation using electronic means.
- Section 67: Publishing or transmitting objectionable and misleading electronic content.
Clarification on Nodal Officer Circular
The DoE clarified that its original circular concerned appointing nodal officers for matters related to stray dogs. This circular did not mention any task of counting stray dogs. The Education Department had previously issued official clarifications denying any such directives.
Political Context and Reactions
The DoE’s circular on nodal officers sparked a political debate. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had previously posted on X, questioning the directive. He asked whether teachers would count dogs or teach children, linking the alleged order to the "BJP’s Delhi government."
Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood had also rejected these claims on December 30 . Sood denied teachers were being diverted from academic responsibilities for non-teaching duties related to stray dogs. He alleged misinformation was spread by certain leaders.
Following the DoE’s formal police complaint, Chief Minister Kejriwal affirmed the department’s action. In a post on X, he stated the Education Department was taking "strict action against the fake news." He called the misinformation "a serious and deliberate attempt to demoralise our dedicated teachers" and create mistrust in Delhi’s education system. Kejriwal declared "zero tolerance for the politics of lies."
A senior police officer confirmed the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) Unit of the Delhi Police will investigate the complaint.