Chhattisgarh-Telangana Border: In a poignant twist to India’s largest-ever anti-Naxal operation, a four-legged CRPF soldier, K9 Rolo, laid down his life not in a firefight, but after a surprise and fatal assault — by a swarm of over 200 honeybees.
Rolo, a Belgian Malinois trained in explosive detection, infantry patrolling, and assault maneuvers, was part of a high-stakes 21-day joint operation conducted by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Chhattisgarh Police in the Karreguttalu Hills (KGH), along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.
Just past his second birthday, Rolo had been inducted into the elite CRPF 228th battalion in April 2024 after rigorous training at the CRPF Dog Breeding and Training School (DBTS) in Bengaluru. He was already proving to be a critical asset in locating Naxal hideouts and sniffing out explosives in the dense, volatile terrain.
During an intensive search mission deep within KGH, Rolo and his unit were suddenly besieged by a massive swarm of honeybees. Despite swift action by his handlers, who tried to shield him with a polythene sheet, the bees breached the makeshift cover and continued their relentless attack.
Overwhelmed by pain and panic, Rolo shook off the protective sheet, exposing himself to an even more vicious stinging assault. By the end of the attack, he had suffered approximately 200 stings. Though his team rushed him for emergency evacuation and attempted lifesaving measures, Rolo was declared ‘brought dead’ by a veterinary doctor.
K9 Rolo’s martyrdom has left a deep impact on his unit and the larger CRPF force. He was accorded a solemn farewell with full military honours, including a guard of honour. The CRPF Director General has announced that Rolo will be posthumously awarded a commendation disk in recognition of his valor and unwavering service.
“K9 Rolo was more than a dog. He was a soldier — a comrade in arms. His sacrifice will forever be etched in the history of this force,” a senior CRPF officer said during the tribute.
Even in death, Rolo stands as a symbol of loyalty, courage, and the quiet heroism that often goes unnoticed in the fight against extremism.
