Brave Canine Awarded Posthumous Commendation for Sacrificing Life in Line of Duty
Bijapur (Chhattisgarh), May 15 — A two-year-old Belgian Shepherd named Rolo, serving as a sniffer dog with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), was the sole casualty among the security forces during their largest anti-Naxal operation in the Korgotalu hills. Rolo tragically lost her life on April 27 after being attacked by a swarm of bees while carrying out an explosives search.The operation, which spanned 21 days and concluded on May 11, was led by the CRPF in coordination with Chhattisgarh Police and resulted in the elimination of 31 Maoists. Officials described this as a significant blow to the Naxalite movement. A total of 18 personnel were injured during the campaign, with some undergoing leg amputations due to blast injuries.
Rolo’s Final Mission
Rolo was tasked with detecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the rugged terrain of the Korgotalu hills, a dense forest area on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border known for harboring Naxal hideouts. While conducting a search, she and her team were suddenly attacked by a swarm of bees.Despite efforts by handlers to shield her with a polythene sheet, the bees managed to infiltrate the cover and stung her extensively. Overwhelmed by pain, Rolo broke free from the cover and suffered around 200 stings. Though emergency treatment was administered and she was rushed to a medical facility, she was declared brought dead.
Honoring a Four-Legged Hero
Rolo had been deployed in Chhattisgarh in April last year following specialized training at the CRPF’s canine training centre in Taralu, near Bengaluru. In recognition of her service and sacrifice, the CRPF Director General has posthumously awarded her a commendation medal.Security officials paid tribute to Rolo as a dedicated and courageous member of the force, stating that her contribution to the mission would never be forgotten.