Rolo, a two-year-old female Belgian Shepherd deployed with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), died after being stung nearly 200 times by a swarm of bees during a massive anti-Maoist operation in the Korgotalu hills on April 27. The dog was the only casualty among security personnel during the 21-day operation that concluded on May 11.
Officials said Rolo was assigned to sniff out explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during the mission, considered one of the largest coordinated efforts against Maoists by the CRPF and Chhattisgarh Police. The operation reportedly dealt a significant blow to Maoist forces, with 31 insurgents killed and 18 security personnel injured, some seriously.
The incident occurred when Rolo and her team were navigating the dense jungles along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, a region marked by treacherous terrain, wild animals, and natural hideouts often used by Maoist fighters. During a search operation, the unit was unexpectedly swarmed by bees.
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Despite efforts by her handlers to protect her with a polythene cover, bees infiltrated the covering. Overwhelmed by pain and confusion, Rolo broke free, exposing herself to additional stings. She fell unconscious and was immediately evacuated, but despite emergency medical aid, she succumbed to her injuries en route to a veterinary facility.
Trained at the CRPF’s canine training centre in Taralu near Bengaluru, Rolo had been deployed in Chhattisgarh in April 2024. Her service was recognised with a posthumous commendation medal awarded by the Director General of the CRPF.
Security officials mourned the loss of what they called a “four-legged soldier” and highlighted the critical role such animals play in high-risk operations. Rolo’s death underscores the unpredictable dangers faced by both personnel and service animals in anti-insurgency missions.
