IITA passes out 76 police canines, records 120% surge in intake since 2024
HYDERABAD: The Integrated Intelligence Training Academy (IITA) at Moinabad passed out 76 police canines and 105 handlers at its 25th Dikshant Parade on Tuesday, marking a 120% rise in annual canine intake since 2024.
Officials said the academy’s intake increased from 30–35 dogs a year to 76 this year. Of the total, more than half belong to Telangana Police, 30 were trained for Bihar Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and four for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) Vijay Kumar, the chief guest, said police canines are disciplined and dependable partners in crime investigation and public safety. “Coordination between handlers and canines is crucial for operational success. The new teams will assist in tracking criminals, detecting explosives and narcotics, and carrying out search and rescue operations,” he said.
Senior officer V.B. Kamalasan Reddy, Officer on Special Duty at the Intelligence Security Wing, said the centre, established in 2004, has so far trained 919 police canines and 1,310 handlers. He recalled that Telangana Police won gold and silver medals at the 67th and 68th All India Police Duty Meets.
Demand for canine training has doubled in recent years due to increased narcotic seizures, with most dogs trained in narcotics and explosives detection, he added.
Awards for explosives, narcotics, tracking skills
Awards were presented to outstanding performers. V. Bhaskara Rao with canine Leo (CISF) won in explosives detection. Sudarshan Kumar with canine Charlie (Bihar CID) topped narcotics detection. M. Srinath with canine Rocky (Ramagundam) excelled in tracking, while B. Nitin (Karimnagar) led in physical performance.
In agility, Sinthu Kumar, B. Krishna, Vishal Kupala, V. Kumaraswamy and B. Naresh Babu were recognised. Consolation prizes were given to K. Santosh Rakala, P. Gopi, Babita Kumari and others. M. Suresh Reddy served as parade commander.
