Kolkata Police to induct 6 trained dogs for tracking and explosive detection
Synopsis
Kolkata Police's dog squad has just two tracker dogs for an entire metropolis — a gap the force is now moving to fix. Six puppies, four Labradors and two Cocker Spaniels, are being hardened in 46-degree heat at a BSF academy in Madhya Pradesh, set to join the unit by July with both crime-tracking and anti-explosive capabilities.
Key Takeaways
Kolkata Police will induct 6 trained dogs — 2 tracker dogs and 4 explosives-detection dogs — by July 2025 .
All six — 4 Labradors and 2 Cocker Spaniels — are training at the BSF Academy, Tekanpur, Madhya Pradesh .
Training includes exposure to temperatures of around 46 degrees Celsius to build endurance.
The current Kolkata Police dog squad has only 2 tracker dogs , which officials say is inadequate.
Explosives-detection dogs are primarily used to sanitise areas before VIP movements ; tracker dogs support crime investigations.
Kolkata Police are set to expand their canine unit by inducting six specially trained dogs — two tracker dogs and four explosives-detection dogs — officials confirmed on Wednesday, 17 June. The move addresses a recognised capability gap in the force's dog squad, which currently has only two tracker dogs.
Training Under Way at BSF Academy
All six dogs — four Labradors and two Cocker Spaniels — are undergoing rigorous training at the Border Security Force (BSF) Academy in Tekanpur, Madhya Pradesh. According to a senior Kolkata Police officer, the animals are being conditioned in extreme heat, including exposure to temperatures of around 46 degrees Celsius, to build operational endurance. The training is expected to conclude by July, after which the dogs will be transferred to Kolkata.
Roles: Tracking Versus Explosive Detection
The two Cocker Spaniels are being trained as tracker dogs, while the four Labradors are being prepared for explosives detection. These are distinct operational roles. Tracker dogs follow scent trails left by suspects at crime scenes, helping investigators identify escape routes and locate individuals based on olfactory evidence — a capability particularly valuable in cases of murder or robbery where criminals may leave personal belongings behind. Explosives-detection dogs, by contrast, are primarily deployed to sanitise areas ahead of VIP movements and to screen suspicious objects flagged by the public or security personnel.
Why Kolkata Police Needs More Dogs
Officials acknowledged that the current strength of two tracker dogs is insufficient for a metropolitan force of Kolkata's scale. The existing dog squad is predominantly trained in explosives detection, leaving a gap in investigative support for serious crimes. This induction is intended to rebalance that ratio. Notably, the decision to send puppies rather than adult dogs for specialised training suggests the force is investing in longer-term capability building rather than a quick fix.
What Happens Next
The newly trained dogs are expected to arrive in Kolkata by July 2025 and will be integrated into the existing canine unit. Their deployment is likely to begin with high-security events and active crime investigations. Officials have not yet indicated whether further expansion of the squad is planned beyond this cohort.
Point of View
But it signals something more telling: a metropolitan police force of Kolkata's size has been operating with just two tracker dogs, a glaring gap for a city that handles high-profile crimes, political events, and VIP movements regularly. The choice to train puppies from scratch at a BSF facility — rather than procure adult trained dogs — points to a longer-term investment, but also means the capability gap persists until at least July. The lopsided ratio of explosives-detection to tracker dogs also raises a question about institutional priorities: reactive security for VIPs over proactive investigative support for ordinary crime victims.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kolkata Police expanding its dog squad?
Kolkata Police currently has only two tracker dogs, which officials have acknowledged is insufficient for the force's operational needs. The expansion adds two more tracker dogs and four explosives-detection dogs to strengthen both crime investigation and security capabilities.
Where are the Kolkata Police dogs being trained?
The six dogs are undergoing training at the Border Security Force (BSF) Academy in Tekanpur, Madhya Pradesh. Training includes conditioning in extreme heat of around 46 degrees Celsius to build endurance.
When will the new dogs join Kolkata Police?
The trained dogs are expected to arrive in Kolkata by July 2025, after which they will be integrated into the existing canine unit.
What is the difference between tracker dogs and explosives-detection dogs?
Tracker dogs follow scent trails left by suspects at crime scenes and help identify escape routes — they are critical in murder and robbery investigations. Explosives-detection dogs are trained to identify explosive materials and are primarily deployed to sanitise areas before VIP movements or when suspicious objects are found.
What breeds are being trained for Kolkata Police?
Four Labradors are being trained as explosives-detection dogs, and two Cocker Spaniels are being trained as tracker dogs, all at the BSF Academy in Tekanpur.
