During one of the darkest chapters in Mumbai’s history, a Labrador Retriever named Zanjeer emerged as an unlikely hero. As a bomb-sniffing dog for the Mumbai Police Bomb Detection Squad, Zanjeer saved countless lives during the 1993 terrorist attacks. His extraordinary service, marked by courage, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty, earned him a place of honor not only within the police force but in the hearts of people across India. Zanjeer’s story stands as a powerful reminder of the critical role detection dogs play in public safety.

Known affectionately as “Ginger” due to his coat color, Zanjeer was trained at the Dog Training Centre of the Criminal Investigation Department in Shivaji Nagar, Pune. Named after the 1973 Bollywood action film Zanjeer, he lived up to the name with a life of action and impact. He joined the Mumbai Bomb Squad in December 1992 at just one year old, a time when the use of dogs in Indian police work was still evolving. Initially, the squad had only a few dogs—mainly Doberman Pinschers—used primarily for criminal investigations. Zanjeer helped redefine their role, demonstrating the life-saving potential of canine units in bomb detection.

The 1993 Mumbai bombings posed an unprecedented threat. Following the demolition of the Babri Masjid mosque in Ayodhya in 1992, communal tensions escalated across the country. The resulting riots left thousands dead and paved the way for a retaliatory attack by the D-Company crime syndicate. The coordinated bombings across Mumbai involved car bombs, scooter bombs, suitcase bombs, and grenades, all designed to cause mass casualties.

In this high-stakes environment, Zanjeer’s contributions were nothing short of heroic. He used his signature three-bark alert to signal the presence of explosives in several key locations, including Dadar, Thane, and Mumbra. His keen sense of smell led to the discovery of three Type 56 rifles, five 9mm pistols, and 200 grenades hidden in ten suitcases near the Siddhivinayak temple. He also detected a scooter loaded with RDX and gelatin sticks—materials capable of massive destruction.

Within days, Zanjeer continued his vital work. At the bustling Zaveri Bazaar, he identified two suspicious suitcases containing nine more rifles. According to reports, the sheer volume of weapons and explosives he helped uncover—over 240 bombs, 600 detonators, 250 hand grenades, 7,340 pounds of RDX, and thousands of rounds of ammunition—was staggering. It is no exaggeration to say that Zanjeer saved hundreds, if not thousands, of lives through his vigilance and training.

The police force came to rely so heavily on Zanjeer that they sometimes brought no additional equipment on missions, trusting entirely in his abilities. His handlers, Ganesh Andale and V G Rajput, guided him through his duties, but it was Zanjeer’s instincts and training that made him indispensable. Mumbai Police’s chief of the bomb detection and disposal squad, Nandkumar Choughule, described Zanjeer as “god sent,” noting that he found bombs where human officers had failed.

While Zanjeer’s work during the 1993 attacks remains the most well-known part of his legacy, his broader impact on law enforcement in India is equally important. He laid the foundation for the widespread use of detection dogs in police work across the country. His success illustrated the value of canine units and helped institutionalize their presence in bomb detection squads nationwide.

Sadly, Zanjeer’s life was cut short when he succumbed to bone cancer in 2000 at the age of eight. In recognition of his service, the Indian government and Mumbai Police honored him with a full state funeral. He was adorned with floral wreaths and buried with the same respect accorded to human officers who die in the line of duty. Local labor leader and dog lover Dilip Mohite once remarked that while police officers who die a martyr’s death receive accolades, canine heroes often go unnoticed. Zanjeer’s funeral was a rare and moving exception to that trend.

I found it striking that even decades later, citizens in Mumbai continue to commemorate the anniversary of Zanjeer’s death on November 16. His story resonates not only because of his bravery but also because it challenges us to recognize the selfless service of animals who work alongside humans in dangerous and essential roles. Zanjeer was more than a bomb detection dog—he was a guardian of a city in crisis, a symbol of loyalty and courage, and a pioneer for future generations of police dogs in India.

For those interested in the broader history of heroic dogs, Zanjeer’s story aligns with other canine legends like the Mercy Dogs of World War I and Balto, the husky who helped save an Alaskan town. These stories remind us that sometimes, the most profound acts of heroism come from the most unassuming figures.

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