Pune Police Bid Emotional Farewell to ‘Teja,’ a Veteran Bomb Detection Dog

Pune :
Teja, a Labrador retriever and a distinguished member of the Pune Police Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), retired recently after a decade of dedicated service. Known for his exceptional contributions to high-security events such as the G-20 Summit and the security of the President, Prime Minister, and other VIPs, Teja was honoured by police officers in a heartfelt ceremony at the BDDS office in Shivajinagar.

The ceremony marked the end of a decade-long service of Teja, who had become an indispensable part of Pune’s security apparatus. Senior officers and handlers who worked closely with him bid him an emotional farewell.

“Teja was born on January 11, 2015. Within a month, he was inducted into the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad of Pune Police. Teja was sent for training at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Dog Training Centre in Shivajinagar. After completing six months of rigorous training, Teja joined the BDDS,” informed Senior Police Inspector P.G. Yele of the BDDS.

Since his training days, Teja has been looked after by Police Sub-Inspector Salim Sheikh, Handler Assistant Faujdar Avinash Shrimant, and Constable Kisan Dhengale. His career highlights included securing large public gatherings such as the palkhi sohla, Ganeshotsav celebrations, and critical international events. He also played an important role in the security of important political leaders, including the President, Prime Minister, and other important dignitaries.

Teja’s efforts extended beyond high-profile security; he once single-handedly averted a potential disaster in Bhosari. Years ago, a girl tragically died after a hand grenade, mistaken for a toy, exploded. Recalling the incident, handler Avinash Shrimant said that responding to the incident, Teja located a country-made bomb hidden in the bushes nearby and preventing further tragedy.

The BDDS, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Milind Mohite, continues its operations with an elite team of canines. After Teja’s retirement, the squad is headed by Virat, Rana, Dhruva, Rocky, Azad, Veer, and Shaurya, with the latter two currently undergoing training.

Handlers treat the bomb detection dogs like family, often losing sleep if the animals fall ill. After retirement, these dogs are typically adopted by dog lovers or organisations that meet the required eligibility criteria.