Pune Police Bids Emotional Farewell To ‘Teja,’ The Retiring Bomb Squad Dog

Pune, 14th January 2025: After a decade of dedicated service, ‘Teja,’ a Labrador from the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) of the Pune Police, retired in an emotional ceremony held at the squad’s Shivajinagar office. Teja played a crucial role in safeguarding high-profile individuals, including the President and Prime Minister, and contributed significantly during the G-20 Summit.
Teja, born on 11 January 2015, was inducted into the BDDS within a month of his birth. After undergoing six months of rigorous training at the State Crime Investigation Department’s Dog Training Center in Shivajinagar, he joined the squad. Over the years, Teja worked alongside his handlers—Police Sub-Inspector Salim Sheikh, Handler Assistant Faujdar Avinash Shrimant, and Constable Kisan Dhengale—providing invaluable service in detecting explosives, protecting dignitaries, and assisting in city-wide security arrangements, including the Ganeshotsav festival and other major events.
During his tenure, Teja was pivotal in ensuring safety during high-stakes situations. One of the most notable incidents was his swift action in locating a village bomb hidden in bushes after a tragic explosion on Dighi Road in Bhosari. The explosion claimed the life of a young girl who mistook a hand bomb for a ball. Teja’s handler, Avinash Shrimant, recounted how the dog’s expertise proved instrumental in averting further tragedy that day.
The retirement ceremony was overseen by Senior Police Inspector PG Yele and Deputy Commissioner of Police Milind Mohite, who lauded Teja’s exemplary service. Post-retirement, Teja will be handed over to a dog lover or organization, following established eligibility criteria.
The BDDS, currently managed under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Mohite, continues its operations with dogs Virat, Rana, Dhruva, Rocky, Azad, Veer, and Shaurya. Veer and Shaurya, the newest additions, are undergoing training to uphold the squad’s legacy of excellence.
The Pune Police emphasized their commitment to treating BDDS dogs with utmost care and affection, likening their bond to that of family. “These dogs are more than assets; they are our companions and protectors,” said a senior officer during the farewell ceremony.