PATNA, Sept. 11 -- The Bihar police have decided to induct 80 new dogs of various breeds into its dog squad to strengthen the force, a top official said on Wednesday. The German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Labradors have been undergoing training at the Integrated Intelligence Training Academy (IITA), Moinabad, Hyderabad, since June 2025, and will be deployed in the police force from February 2026. "Fifty more dogs of different breeds will also be purchased from the Punjab Home Guard Canine Training and Breeding Institute and inducted into the existing squad," said Additional Director General (ADG) of CID Paras Nath. He underlined the vital role played by the dog squad in detecting explosives, drugs, liquor, and crime scene evidence, besides being deployed during VVIP visits and for VIP security. According to data, the Bihar police currently have 67 sniffer dogs, including 55 Labradors, six Belgian Malinois, four German Shepherds, and two Golden Retrievers. "Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, and 11 Labradors are engaged as trackers, while 44 Labradors are involved in explosives, narcotics, and liquor detection. Apart from their sniffing abilities, these dogs are excellent runners and jumpers, which makes them effective in nabbing criminals. After the induction of 80 more dogs by February 2026, the squad's strength will rise to 147," ADG Paras Nath said. Bihar is the first state in India to raise its own dog squad specifically for liquor detection. The squads undergo nine months of training at IITA before joining the force. The state spends around Rs.1.71 lakh on training each dog, and two handlers are deputed for every dog. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has approved a proposal to deploy a dog squad in every district to assist in speedy and scientific investigations. Of the 80 dogs to be inducted, some will be stationed at the state's ranges and police headquarters, while the rest will be deputed across Bihar's 44 districts....