Karkala: ANF tracker dog ’Alchi’ retires after 8 years of exemplary service

Karkala: ANF tracker dog ’Alchi’ retires after 8 years of exemplary service

Mangalore Today News Network

Karkala, Jul 31, 2026: The State Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) on July 20 bid an emotional farewell to Alchi, a female Belgian Malinois tracker dog, as she retired after eight years of distinguished service in the force.

A farewell ceremony was held at the ANF headquarters in Karkala, where Police Inspector Santosh, ANF officers, personnel and dog handlers honoured Alchi for her outstanding contribution to anti-Naxal operations and security duties.

Born on August 11, 2018, Alchi joined the ANF on November 10, 2018, at the age of three months. She underwent 13 months of intensive training at the CRPF Dog Breeding and Training Centre in Bengaluru, where she specialised in explosive detection, IED searches, assault operations, forest patrolling and bomb detection before being deployed to the Karkala unit.

During her eight-year service, Alchi was deployed extensively in the dense forests of the Western Ghats, taking part in hundreds of combing operations, search missions and security assignments in Naxal-affected and sensitive areas, including Agumbe, Hebri, Jayapura, Sringeri, Kollur, Subrahmanya and Madikeri.

The tracker dog played a crucial role in detecting explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), securing high-risk locations, tracking Naxal movements and supporting forest assault operations. She also assisted in VIP security arrangements, bomb detection and security checks during the visits of the Chief Minister and other dignitaries to Karkala and nearby forest regions.

Throughout her service, Alchi was handled by Pradeep B.D. and Dhananjay, who were credited for their dedicated care and professional handling of the canine.

Following Alchi’s retirement, Amari, Agera and Anji will continue to serve in the ANF dog squad.

Paying tribute to the canine, ANF Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar said police dogs are not merely part of the force but brave fellow warriors who serve with exceptional loyalty, courage and dedication.

"The ANF will always remember Alchi’s invaluable service with gratitude," he said.