Detective Work of Jesse the Scenting Canine Solves Homicide, Retrieves Abducted Juvenile in Mumbai
In the bustling city of Mumbai, a four-legged hero named Jesse, a German Shepherd, has been making a significant impact on the police force. Serving in the Mumbai Police's K9 squad for the past four years, Jesse has gained recognition for his role in solving high-profile criminal cases, including murder, robbery, and kidnapping.
The Mumbai Police's K9 squad, fondly referred to as the "Mumbai K9 Squad," was recently in the spotlight with a heartwarming video tribute that highlighted the unmatched loyalty and razor-sharp instincts of the city's canine officers. Jesse, in particular, was credited with tracking a murderer and bank robber from a single shoe, exposing a suspect disguised in traditional attire, and rescuing a missing child by tracing a taxi amid festive crowds.
Jesse's exceptional abilities have been publicly praised by the Mumbai Police, with his work described as "sniffing out danger & chasing truths" and a "furmidable" partner in crime-solving. His handler, woman police constable Surekha Bhanudas Lunde, has worked closely with him to assist in various investigations and rescues throughout the city.
One of Jesse's most notable contributions came during a murder and robbery case under the jurisdiction of the MHB Police Station on July 6, 2025. The police recovered a single footwear item belonging to the suspect at the crime scene and gave it to Jesse to sniff. Following the scent, Jesse navigated through a busy marketplace and narrow lanes before stopping outside a room in a chawl, indicating the presence of the suspect inside. The suspect was found hiding inside the room and was immediately arrested.
Jesse has also played a crucial role in rescuing missing children and even helped in the recovery of a kidnapped child during Ganpati Visarjan. In another incident, he helped identify suspects disguised in various forms, including one who attempted to flee by wearing a saree.
The Mumbai Police's commitment to innovative and effective policing is evident in their plans to build a Rs 10 crore state-of-the-art kennel complex at the Marol Police Training Centre in Andheri East. This facility is proposed to house both active service dogs and retired ones under official care. At the time of the announcement, the Mumbai Police had 33 dogs of various breeds, including German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Labradors, and Dobermans, deployed in specialised units.
As Jesse continues to serve, he not only demonstrates the vital role that trained police dogs play in law enforcement but also stands as a symbol of the Mumbai Police's dedication to keeping the city safe.
The Mumbai K9 Squad, featuring heroes like Jesse, continues to make headlines in general-news, with their exceptional work in crime-and-justice cases getting recognized. Recently, Jesse was credited for tracking criminals and rescuing a missing child in crowded areas, showcasing his skills in mixed-martial-arts-like navigational abilities.
