CRPF Sniffer Dog Rolo Dies in Line of Duty During India’s Largest Anti-Naxal Operation
In a tragic turn of events during the Central Reserve Police Force’s (CRPF) largest anti-Naxal operation to date, Rolo, a two-year-old female sniffer dog, became the only casualty among the security forces.
The courageous Belgian Shepherd lost her life on April 27 after being attacked by a swarm of bees while performing her duties in the Korgotalu hills, a treacherous and heavily forested region along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.
Rolo, specially trained to detect explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), was actively involved in the intense 21-day joint operation conducted by the CRPF and Chhattisgarh Police, which concluded on May 11.
Officials confirmed that the operation resulted in the elimination of 31 Maoists, dealing what they called a “devastating blow” to Naxalite insurgent forces operating in the region.
In the process, 18 personnel sustained injuries, including some who had to undergo amputation due to blast wounds.
Despite the scale of the conflict and the perilous conditions, Rolo was the only life lost among the security personnel, a testament both to her bravery and to the effectiveness of the operation’s safety protocols.
The Final Mission
Rolo was conducting a search operation in the dense terrain of the Korgotalu forests—an area known for its rugged topography, wildlife, and natural hiding spots used by Maoists—when disaster struck.
As she scouted ahead with her team, a swarm of aggressive bees suddenly launched an attack. Despite her handlers’ attempts to shield her with a polythene sheet, the bees managed to infiltrate the covering.
The agitated dog, in severe distress from the approximately 200 stings, broke free from the makeshift protection, exposing herself further.
Overwhelmed by pain, Rolo collapsed and was rendered unconscious.
Security personnel on the scene acted swiftly, attempting emergency first aid and rushing her to the nearest medical facility. Sadly, despite their efforts, Rolo succumbed to her injuries en route and was pronounced dead upon arrival by veterinary officials.
Honoring a Fallen Hero
Recognizing her loyalty, service, and ultimate sacrifice, the Director General of the CRPF posthumously awarded Rolo a commendation medal.
Officials paid tribute to her as a dedicated member of the force, noting her important role in keeping troops safe during high-risk missions.
Rolo had been deployed to Chhattisgarh in April 2023, following intensive training at the CRPF’s canine training centre in Taralu, near Bengaluru, Karnataka. Her role in the conflict zone was crucial, often venturing into uncertain and dangerous terrain ahead of the human contingent to detect and neutralize potential explosive threats.
The Broader Operation
The broader operation, which spanned three weeks, took place in the Korgotalu hill ranges, an area that straddles the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh and the Mulugu district of Telangana.
These forests, thick with undergrowth and home to various wild animals including bears, insects, and bees, provide the perfect cover for Maoist militants who frequently use the terrain’s natural caves and water bodies to evade detection.
The CRPF, in coordination with state police units, termed the operation the “largest and most coordinated” offensive ever launched against Maoist strongholds in the region.
The scale and precision of the operation reflect an evolving approach to counterinsurgency, one that includes not just sophisticated human tactics, but also the essential contribution of trained animals like Rolo.
Legacy of Service
Rolo’s untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the risks taken by K9 units and their indispensable role in modern-day warfare and counter-terrorism efforts.
Her sacrifice has touched many within and beyond the security forces, drawing attention to the often overlooked heroism of service animals who operate silently and selflessly in the most dangerous circumstances.
As tributes pour in for the fallen canine, she is being remembered not just as a dog, but as a soldier who gave her life in the service of her country—a true four-legged warrior.
