Chennai’s Four-Legged Guardian: Stray Dog ‘Tiger’ Helps Nab Phone Thief at Central Station

At Chennai Central railway station, a street-smart stray with a nose for trouble has become a surprise ally to the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Nicknamed Tiger, the dog played a key role in foiling a recent phone theft, chasing down the accused and holding him until officers arrived.

Tiger’s journey began during the Covid-19 pandemic, when it wandered into the station as a pup. Over the years, Tiger has earned the quiet respect of over 120 RPF personnel for its unusual alertness and intuitive grasp of station dynamics.

Without any formal training, Tiger learned the role by tagging along with night patrol units, watching officers interact with passengers, and observing how they handle troublemakers. "If someone approaches the police with hostile intent, Tiger senses it and immediately intervenes," said RPF inspector Madhusoodhan Reddy.

In the latest incident, Tiger was quick to react when a thief tried to flee after stealing a phone from a sleeping passenger. The dog bolted after him, sank its teeth into the man’s trousers, and kept him from getting away until officers made the arrest.

This is not Tiger’s first heroic act either. On another occasion, it helped stop a suspect who had shoved an officer and attempted to escape during an interrogation.

The dog also plays an active role in preventing risky behaviour, chasing down passengers who travel on train footboards, nudging them to get inside safely. “Tiger has become an unofficial member of the RPF team,” inspector Reddy said.

Though not part of any formal squad, Tiger operates like a member of the force; an instinctive, ever-watchful presence.