[| I, CWAS |]

Alarmed at the rising incidence of policemen reporting for duty in a drunken state, the Maharashtra Government has initiated several steps to help them overcome their addiction.

Talking to reporters here, Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil said the Police Department had prepared a list of 273 such policemen and was keeping a watch on their behaviour on duty.

In the last few months, 35 policemen have been suspended, while services of five have been terminated after being found in inebriated condition during duty hours, said Mr Patil, also the Home Minister.

Initiatives like yoga and stress reduction programmes have been undertaken to help policemen overcome alcohol addiction, he said.

Drunken policemen accused of rape have been dismissed from service, Mr Patil said.

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