India, July 17 -- A government school principal in Uttar Pradesh has drawn attention after arriving on campus carrying a knife and a cleaver. The incident came to light after videos and photographs circulated on social media, prompting education authorities to seek an explanation. The principal later said the sharp objects were meant to protect students from stray dogs that frequently enter the school premises and pose a safety risk.

According to the principal, repeated complaints about the stray dog menace had not resulted in a lasting solution. He claimed he carried the weapons only as a precautionary measure to scare away aggressive animals and had no intention of using them against anyone.

The explanation has sparked debate, with so...