Hero canine cop, who defused several bombs during 26/11 attacks dies

The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad lost a crucial member, as one of their police dogs, Prince, passed away after nearly 10 years of service, most notably during the 26/11 and 7/11 attacks in Mumbai

After nearly a decade of loyal and reliable service to the city and the nation, the Mumbai Police’s canine hero, Prince, passed away yesterday afternoon. The police dog had worked for the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad for nearly 10 years, most notably during the 26/11 terror attacks and the 7/11 serial train blasts.

Nipping terror in the bud: Prince was responsible for hunting down several bombs in his decade-long career, especially during the 26/11 terror attacks and 7/11 serial train blasts

The entire bomb squad turned up to give the black Labrador a final salute on Friday, after he died from heart failure at 12.50 pm. Born in 2004, Prince had started training in April 2005. Apart from his regular duty of security checks, he was crucial in hunting down bombs.

The entire squad turned up to salute the canine hero during his last rites in Parel

On November 26, 2008 – a day now remembered as 26/11 – when terrorists coordinated bombing and shooting attacks throughout the city, Prince was the one who detected the bomb at gates of the hotel Oberoi Trident. Three days later, when the bomb squad got a tip-off regarding a package at the CST parcel room, the canine cop made short work of uncovering the bomb.

Apart from 26/11 attacks, he was also there to help during the earlier 7/11 serial train blasts (on July 11, 2006). Years after both attacks, in July 2011, he was there yet again, detecting bombs at Zaveri Bazaar and Roxy Cinema near Panchratna at Charni road.

Prince retired with honour on August 31, earlier this year. However, on November 16, he was hospitalised due to health problems. “Prince was one of the most efficient workers. Even after his retirement, he used to be with us at the office. He gave us all service, and in return we also cared a lot for him. But for the past seven to eight days, he hadn’t been eating properly and he became weak.

He already had a heart problem, and as he was not eating anything, his medication wasn’t working. He was admitted to Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals in Parel, but by then the process of heart failure had already begun,” said Prince’s handler. Prince was finally laid to rest during his last rites in Parel, attended by all those he had served alongside all these years.

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