Police want strays to dog Maoists

By Omer Farooq
BBC News, Hyderabad

The idea was sparked by a recent fatal Maoist attack

Police in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh have been told to befriend stray dogs to aid their battle against Maoist rebels.

State police chief, Swaranjit Sen, sent instructions calling on officers to share their food with strays and keep them in police stations during the day.

The dogs would then be let out at night so that their barking could alert police to a rebel attack.

Police were also told to slim down as fat officers looked corrupt.

Looking smart

Mr Sen's circular seems to have taken police by surprise.

The police chief came up with the stray dog idea after Maoists attacked a police station in Guntur district, killing seven people, including four policemen, recently.

Mr Sen's instructions come in the latest issue of the police periodical "Suraksha" (Security).

He said it was important for policemen to look smart.

To this end, he wants his men to avoid smoking and consuming liquor and has asked district officials to implement his orders strictly.

The police chief says his schemes will not put any additional financial burden on the government exchequer.