Stray dog 'Tiger' helps police nab criminals at Chennai railway station. Viral video

According to RPF Inspector Madhusoodhan Reddy, Tiger's instincts are 'razor sharp'. (Representational image: Unsplash)

A stray dog, affectionately nicknamed 'Tiger', has become the unlikely hero of MGR Central railway station in Chennai, earning widespread praise for his uncanny ability to assist the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in apprehending criminals. Tiger, who routinely barks at footboard travellers to ensure their safety, recently played a pivotal role in a significant arrest.

Tiger's timely intervention
On Tuesday night, a petty criminal named Raju, wanted in connection with various chain-snatching cases, was observed loitering suspiciously at the Dr. MGR Central station. When an RPF personnel attempted to apprehend him, Raju tried to flee. However, Tiger, sensing the unfolding drama, sprang into action, catching the accused by his trousers and holding him just long enough for the RPF personnel to make the arrest. A video of this heroic canine intervention quickly went viral on social media, cementing Tiger's status as a local legend.

A stray dog nicknamed ‘Tiger’ for its alertness joined hands with RPF at Chennai Central and helped nab a mobile phone thief who tried to flee after snatching a device from a sleeping passenger. #news pic.twitter.com/GOsdOXhc2H

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— Chennai Live Digital 104.8 (@chennailive1048) June 28, 2025

Another incident, detailed in a Times of India report, saw Tiger spring into action to help the RPF catch a mobile phone thief who had snatched a phone from a sleeping passenger. Tiger chased down the suspect and bit into his trousers, holding him long enough for RPF personnel to arrive.

From pandemic pup to patrol partner
Tiger's remarkable story began during the Covid pandemic when he wandered into Chennai Central as a stray puppy. Since then, the station has become his home, and its 120 RPF officers his adopted family. Over the years, Tiger has quietly transformed into an honorary officer, learning policing routines not through formal training, but by simply observing the daily operations.

According to RPF Inspector Madhusoodhan Reddy, Tiger's instincts are "razor sharp." Reddy told the Times of India, “If someone approaches the police with hostile intent, Tiger senses it and immediately intervenes.” Officers have witnessed Tiger develop a keen sense of who poses a threat, especially during night patrols which he faithfully accompanies. Beyond arrests, he's even known to deter dangerous footboard travel, chasing down commuters and nudging them back inside. "Tiger has become an unofficial member of the RPF team," Inspector Reddy added with pride.

His natural instincts, loyalty, and unwavering sense of duty have made Tiger a trusted presence at Chennai Central, performing duties that even trained personnel might miss.