Delhi FIR Sparks Political Row Over Claims That Teachers Were Asked To Count Stray Dogs

New Delhi: A First Information Report (FIR) was registered by the Delhi Police over alleged misinformation claiming that government school teachers were asked to count stray dogs. This has triggered a sharp political confrontation between the ruling BJP-led Delhi government and the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The FIR was lodged by the Delhi Police Special Cell, after the DoE approached the Civil Lines police station, flagging “false, misleading and malicious” content being shared online. Officials said the case is being investigated by the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) Unit.

FIR Filed, Political Slugfest Erupts

Soon after the FIR, the AAP accused the Delhi government of using police action to silence the Opposition and intimidate teachers. AAP leaders maintained that official circulars on stray dogs existed and questioned the government’s claim that no such directions were ever issued.

AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha said the DoE had issued circulars on November 20 and December 5, seeking information and appointing nodal officers to monitor stray dogs.

The AAP MLA said, “The circular exists. Teachers were deployed and their names were mentioned. Don’t try to scare us with FIRs.” Jha questioned whether the circulars were issued without the Education Minister's knowledge.

AAP MLA Kuldip Kumar alleged that teachers in certain zones had been assigned duties and accused the government of targeting those who raised concerns related to teachers’ rights.

Government Denies Claims, Defends FIR

Rejecting the allegations, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood said the FIR was filed only after it became clear that “false information” was being deliberately spread, including by AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal. He accused AAP leaders of amplifying misinformation for political gain and said legal action was necessary to protect teachers and public institutions.

“There is no mention anywhere of teachers counting stray dogs,” Sood said at a press conference.

Fake Content Flagged

In its complaint, the DoE alleged deliberate attempts to spread fabricated news with malicious intent, thereby damaging the education department's reputation and eroding trust in government institutions. The complaint also flagged instances of individuals impersonating teachers on social media and posting videos to reinforce the false narrative.

The government has submitted digital evidence, including posts and timelines, and shared a list of social media handles allegedly involved in spreading the misinformation.

Police Probe Underway

Authorities have sought action to identify both the originators and forwarders of the content. Reiterating the government’s stand, Sood said there would be zero tolerance for fake news and warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone spreading misinformation targeting teachers or public institutions.

What The DoE Circular Actually Says

Reading out the DoE circular, Sood clarified that it only directs school heads and stadium in-charges to appoint nodal officers to coordinate measures preventing stray dogs from entering school premises, in line with student safety concerns and Supreme Court directions. “No role has been assigned to teachers in this matter,” he added.

Education Director Veditha Reddy also dismissed the claims as “completely false and fabricated, stating that teachers remain engaged only in academic responsibilities. She said the misinformation had caused confusion and anxiety among parents, teachers and school staff.

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