Sashastra Seema Bal Breaks Gender Norms with Female Dog Handlers

Lucknow: In a pioneering move, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has appointed three women to lead its dog squads, marking a significant step towards gender equality in central forces. The trio, consisting of Kalpanaben Manubhai (24), Anchal Rani (23), and Neha Sonkar (22), completed six months of rigorous training and are now stationed at the 42nd battalion in Nanpara, Bahraich district.

A.K. Sinha, Commandant of SSB, Lucknow headquarters, highlighted that this is the first time any force in the state has entrusted women with the responsibility of handling dog squads. Trained sniffer dogs play a crucial role in detecting substances such as drugs, explosives, and blood, supporting the police in critical tasks.

Sinha emphasized that women’s inherent compassion played a role in their selection for this role. The recruitment process involved screening candidates based on parameters like temperament, fearlessness, and their ability to handle the aggression and tantrums of animals.

“Dogs are like babies. You must forge a bond with them. You scold them, and they get angry. It is love and affection that makes them perform well,” stated Kalpanaben, originally from Rajkot, Gujarat. Despite facing skepticism about women entering this traditionally male-dominated field, Kalpanaben pursued her passion for dog handling, breaking the glass ceiling.

Anchal Rani, hailing from Bihar, expressed her excitement about women making remarkable progress in all walks of life. When she discovered there were no female dog squad handlers in the SSB, she seized the opportunity, driven by her love for dogs.

Neha, from Uttarakhand, shared that she feels empowered and enjoys her assigned task. The appointments of these women as dog handlers not only challenge stereotypes but also signify a positive shift towards inclusivity within security forces.