Bhaskar Rao, the chief of Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) ordered overweight members of his force to lose weight otherwise, they will face suspension.
The police chief was worried about the weight issues of the policemen, reports BBC.
Bhaskar Rao told the BBC: “I had to take the decision since more than 100 officers died in the last 18 months because of lifestyle-related illnesses.
“We started the process of monitoring their [KSRP officers'] sugar and other health indices six months ago,” he added.
“It is not uncommon to see Indian policemen struggling with weight issues.”
The officers will receive help and suggestion to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet. The officers will be taking classes in swimming, yoga and other sports to keep them active when they are not on duty.
The KSRP has 14,000 officers who provide security for major events, and also control situations like riots and violent agitations.
Senior KSRP officers will identify the obese policemen, and put them on an exercise routine to help them lose weight.
Bhaskar informed that in the last 18 months, 153 officers died. While 24 died in road accidents and nine killed themselves; the rest died due to lifestyle-related diseases like cardiac problems and diabetes.
