Pune’s Beloved Canine Officer, Radha, Passes Away After 10 Years of Service
Pune, 7th September 2023: A recent loss has left the Pune Rural Police Force in shock as Radha, a dedicated member of the bomb detection squad for a decade, passed away. Radha was a beloved and highly skilled canine officer who played a crucial role in crime-solving, particularly in detecting explosives and drugs.
Selection of police dogs involves stringent criteria, with the selected canines undergoing rigorous training before joining the force. The State Crime Investigation Department (CID) at the Pune City Police headquarters in Shivajinagar is responsible for training these specialized animals, which primarily include breeds like Labradors and German Shepherds.
Radha joined the bomb detection squad of the Pune Rural Police Force on November 1, 2009, and was aptly named by the police. Assistant Sub Inspector Ram Jagtap and Havaldar Ravindra Bansode served as Radha’s handlers during her illustrious career. Known for her calm demeanor and affable nature, Radha made a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
She also showcased her prowess by winning medals in police dog competitions held in Pune, Sangli, Solapur, Satara, Kolhapur districts and participated in the prestigious Maharashtra Police Duty Meet.
For a decade, Radha diligently served in the bomb detection squad, even assisting in high-profile operations. With her specialized skills in explosive detection, Radha became an invaluable asset to the force. However, police dogs are typically retired after ten years of service, and Radha was no exception. She retired on November 30, 2018, amidst an emotional farewell ceremony.
In her retirement, Radha found a caring guardian in Poptrao Waghmare, a retired police constable. Unfortunately, Radha’s health deteriorated in recent times, leading to her passing, as confirmed by ASI Ram Jagtap.
Radha’s legacy as a dedicated and skilled police dog will be fondly remembered by her colleagues and handlers in the force.
Join Punekar News Whatsapp Group, Telegram, Instagram And Twitter For Regular Update about Pune City And Pimpri-Chinchwad
