New Delhi | Arun Sharma

An FIR has been registered in Delhi over the circulation of allegedly misleading and exaggerated claims regarding the counting of stray dogs, triggering a fresh controversy at the intersection of governance, social media, and public sensitivity.


According to official sources, the Directorate of Education (DoE) lodged a complaint with the police, terming the information related to stray dog enumeration as factually incorrect and inflammatory. Acting on the complaint, police have initiated an investigation into the origin, intent, and dissemination of the report.


Police Probe Underway
Senior officers said the case has been registered under relevant sections dealing with the spread of false information and public misinformation. The IFSO (Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations) unit has been roped in to examine digital footprints, social media posts, and technical evidence linked to the viral content.


“No individual has been named yet, but the probe will identify those responsible for creating and amplifying the misleading narrative,” a police official said.


Teacher Suspended After Dog-Related Row
The controversy follows a separate but related incident in which a government school teacher was suspended after a dispute linked to stray dogs. Officials clarified that the suspension was based on administrative grounds and not directly connected to the viral dog-count claim, though both issues emerged around the same time.


Authorities Urge Caution
The Education Directorate has urged citizens and social media users to verify facts before sharing sensitive information, warning that unverified claims can create unnecessary panic, social friction, and administrative confusion.


A Sensitive Civic Issue
Stray dog management remains a highly sensitive issue in the national capital, often evoking strong public reactions. Authorities say the current investigation aims to ensure that public discourse is driven by verified data, not misinformation.


Police said further action will be taken once the digital and documentary analysis is completed.