The Pune Rural Police Force is mourning the loss of one of its most dedicated members, Radha, a highly skilled canine officer who served the bomb detection squad for a remarkable decade. Radha played a pivotal role in solving crimes, particularly in detecting explosives and drugs, making her an indispensable asset to the force.
Selection of police dogs is an exacting process, with stringent criteria, and the chosen canines undergo rigorous training before they officially join the force. The State Crime Investigation Department (CID) based at the Pune City Police headquarters in Shivajinagar is responsible for the specialized training of these remarkable animals, which predominantly include breeds like Labradors and German Shepherds.
Radha embarked on her journey with the bomb detection squad of the Pune Rural Police Force on November 1, 2009, and she was aptly christened by the police. Assistant Sub Inspector Ram Jagtap and Havaldar Ravindra Bansode had the honor of serving as Radha’s handlers throughout her illustrious career. Radha was not only known for her impeccable skills but also for her calm and amiable demeanor, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she encountered.
Throughout her career, Radha showcased her exceptional abilities by winning medals in police dog competitions held in various districts of Maharashtra, including Pune, Sangli, Solapur, Satara, and Kolhapur. She even participated in the prestigious Maharashtra Police Duty Meet, where her skills were put to the test.
For a decade, Radha served with unwavering dedication in the bomb detection squad, contributing significantly to high-profile operations. However, it’s customary for police dogs to retire after ten years of service, and Radha was no exception. Her retirement ceremony took place on November 30, 2018, marked by a poignant farewell.
In her well-deserved retirement, Radha found a loving guardian in Poptrao Waghmare, a retired police constable. Unfortunately, in recent times, Radha’s health took a toll, ultimately leading to her passing, as confirmed by ASI Ram Jagtap.
Radha’s legacy as a devoted and highly skilled police dog will be cherished and fondly remembered by her colleagues and handlers in the force.
