 Drona, Karan and Arjun, Desert Fox Erwin Rommel, and Chengiz Khan complete crack explosives and narcotics team. Binoo Nair reports
Whatre you talking about?
Alright. Those are the names of six sniffer dogs that have been chosen to be on the new narcotics and explosives team of the Railway Protection Force of Central Railway (CR).
This is the first time canines will be used to detect bombs and drugs on trains in India. Whos on the team?
The group comprises two Dobermans and four Labradors. They were flown in on a special cargo flight from Lucknow late Wednesday to bolster the dog squad based in Matunga. How were they chosen?
The RPF carried out a nationwide survey for the best dog breeders before zeroing in on Quick-Quick Kennel in Maharajganj, Gorakhpur. Who named them?
According to an RPF tradition, the squads inspector-general (currently B S Sidhu) christened the canines.
Why the weird names?
These dogs will be tracking narcotics and explosives and we will put a lot of effort into making them aggressive. Their names should match their duties. All the historical figures they have been named after were known for their aggression and efficiency.
BS Sidhu, inspector-general, RPF, Central Railway
How will they be trained?
The pups will be taught to obey basic commands by handlers at Matunga for a few months. Then they will be trained to track down explosives and narcotics. This is the first step for any dog squad in the railways.
Later, all six will be sent to the breeding-cum-training centre in Delhi for their final training.
After that, they will be shifted to different CR zones three to Pune and one each to Mumbai, Bhusawal and Solapur, said Dharmendra Guryani, inspector, RPF dog squad, Matunga.  Rommel
Breed: Doberman
Named after: This one you may not know, unless youre
a history buff. Erwin Rommel was a German field marshal noted for his brilliant generalship in North Africa during World War II. He was also known by the nickname Desert Fox (Wstenfuchs).  Hitler
Breed: Doberman
Named after: Ruler of Nazi Germany Adolf Hitler, arguably the most evil man in history. Duh.  Chengiz
Breed: Labrador
Named after: Another easy one Chengiz (Genghis) Khan, the Mongol leader who created the land largest empire in human history, four times the area conquered by Alexander the Great.  Drona
Breed: Labrador
Named after: NO excuse for not knowing this one... and the next two, for that matter.
In the Mahabharata, Dronacharya was guru to the Kauravas and the Pandavas.  Karan
Breed: Labrador
Named after: The first son of Kunti, by Lord Surya, and thus half brother to the Pandavas.  Arjun
Breed: Labrador
Named after: Ace archer and third of the five Pandavas. Dronacharyas favourite student.
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