Sukma (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 27 (HBTV): Constable Shubham Gajanan of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) 228 Battalion, who was the handler of a two-year-old Belgian Shepherd named Rolo, said there is an emotional bond between a canine and its handler. He added that Rolo played a significant role in saving troops from improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

‘Canines are brought to us when they are only 21 days old. It is the handler's responsibility to take care of them and train them. There is an emotional relationship and connection between the canine and its handler. After training, Rolo was also awarded the second-best canine in the team. In many operations conducted by the 228 Battalion, Rolo played a major role,’ Constable Gajanan told ANI.

He added that Rolo performed her duties with full alertness even under difficult circumstances.

‘Rolo played a significant role in saving troops from IEDs and searching during major operations. Between April 22–25, Rolo did her duty with full alertness under difficult conditions. Rolo was attacked by a swarm of bees when she entered an area where troops could not go. She was given first aid at the spot but died on the way to the medical facility. We didn't think of Rolo as a dog but as a soldier. She did very well and saved the troops. When a canine warrior passes away, it feels like a soldier has passed away,’ he added.

Earlier today, the CRPF conducted the last rites of Rolo, who was part of the force’s elite canine squad. Rolo lost her life after being attacked by a swarm of bees during a major anti-Naxal operation in the Karreguttalu hills on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. She was declared dead on April 27, 2025, with the cause of death being anaphylactic shock following approximately 200 bee stings.

K9 Rolo, born on April 5, 2023, was trained in infantry patrolling, explosive detection, and assault at DBTS in batch serial number 80. She was subsequently deployed for anti-Naxal duties with the 228 Battalion, CRPF, in April 2024.

During the special operation at KGH, while Rolo and other troops were carrying out an intensive search operation, they were caught off guard by a sudden attack from a large swarm of honeybees. According to the CRPF, Rolo’s handlers tried to protect her with a polythene sheet, but the bees slipped inside and stung her. Overwhelmed by pain and irritation, Rolo panicked and broke free from the cover, making her vulnerable to further stings.

Rolo suffered around 200 bee stings, which rendered her unconscious. Despite immediate medical evacuation and emergency treatment by her handlers, Rolo succumbed to her injuries on the way to the medical facility and was declared brought dead by the attending veterinarian.

(ANI)