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Canine Heroes: How Police Dogs Saved Lives in 26/11 Siege

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Team Happy Pet

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5 min read

26 Nov, 2024

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On the evening of November 26, 2008, Mumbai faced one of its darkest hours when ten terrorists launched coordinated attacks across the city, targeting major landmarks including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Leopold Cafe, Nariman House, and Cama Hospital.


The siege lasted four days, resulting in 166 deaths and over 300 injuries. Among the heroes who emerged during this crisis were the highly trained police dogs who worked tirelessly alongside their human handlers.


Caesar: The Golden Labrador

Caesar


Caesar, a golden Labrador from the Mumbai Police's Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), emerged as one of the most notable canine heroes of 26/11. During the attacks, Caesar worked for nearly 96 hours straight, conducting extensive searches at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Oberoi Hotel, and Colaba Market. His exceptional skills in detecting RDX and other explosives helped secure these locations after the terrorists were neutralized.


Perhaps his most significant contribution came at the Taj Hotel, where he located several unexploded hand grenades and live ammunition, potentially saving countless lives. Caesar's dedication during the operation was remarkable – he continued working despite exhaustion, refusing to rest until his tasks were completed.


Max: The Hero Dog

Max at a medal ceremony with his handlers and Actor Amitabh Bachchan


Max from the Mumbai Police force played a crucial role in securing the Taj Hotel premises. He was instrumental in clearing the hotel's lobby and several floors, detecting multiple IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) that had been planted by the terrorists. His acute sense of smell helped the bomb squad locate and safely dispose of these devices before they could cause further damage.


Prince: The Labrador Specialist


A screengrab of Prince with his handler


Prince, another Labrador from the BDDS, was deployed at Nariman House and the surrounding areas. His specialized training in detecting various types of explosives proved invaluable as he helped secure the Jewish center and nearby localities. Prince worked alongside security forces to ensure no hidden explosives remained after the terrorists were eliminated.


Tiger: The Search Specialist

Tiger's funeral was held with full honours by the police force.


Tiger, a Belgian Malinois, was particularly active in the search operations at CST Railway Station and the surrounding areas. His agility and stamina proved crucial in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, as he helped search through debris and identify potential threats in the vast railway terminal.


Legacy and Recognition

These brave canines worked tirelessly throughout the crisis, often in dangerous conditions and under extreme stress. Their contributions were vital in detecting unexploded ordnance, securing cleared areas, preventing further casualties, and supporting anti-terrorist operations.


In the years following the attacks, several of these dogs, particularly Caesar, became symbols of dedication and service. Caesar, who passed away in 2016 after serving the Mumbai Police for 11 years, received a guard of honor during his funeral – a testament to his service during 26/11 and throughout his career.


Today, the legacy of these canine heroes lives on in the Mumbai Police's K9 unit, which continues to train and deploy dogs for various security operations. Their role during 26/11 highlighted the crucial importance of police dogs in counter-terrorism operations and led to increased investment in K9 units across India's security forces.


The story of these brave dogs serves as a reminder that heroism knows no species. Their unwavering dedication and service during one of Mumbai's most challenging times demonstrates the invaluable role that police dogs play in law enforcement and security operations.


Their contribution to the 26/11 operation showcases not just their training and capabilities, but also the incredible bond between these dogs and their handlers, who worked together tirelessly to help secure Mumbai in its hour of need.

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