Teachers to count strays? Delhi Police cyber cell probes false info; list of handles spreading fake news given to cops

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police’s cyber cell is investigating a case on a complaint by the directorate of education alleging the circulation of false information on social media platforms regarding a supposed directive that schoolteachers are required to count stray dogs.In its complaint, the department has claimed that attempts have been made to spread such false news with malicious intent.They have said that a circular issued on Nov 20 complied with the directions of the Supreme Court in a suo motu case titled “City hounded by strays, kids pay price”. It was aimed at student safety. Stray dogs would be prevented from entering schools and security staff would keep an eye out. They added that the circular made no mention of counting stray dogs.The department has mentioned instances of people posing as teachers and has sought action against them. A list of social media handles allegedly involved in spreading such fake news has been given to police.The DoE director, Veditha Reddy, said no such order, instruction, circular or policy decision was issued by DoE. The claim being circulated is fabricated, baseless and false, and has no connection with any official decision or directive of the education department, she said.

She said there was no mention in any circular of teachers counting stray dogs. The directorate informed that, upon noticing the spread of the fake narrative, it had clarified its stand, but despite this, the false content continued to be circulated.