Bandits-chasing police in a Madhya Pradesh district will now turn to yoga to reduce flab and stress.

A recent unofficial survey found that over 50 percent of police personnel in Shivpuri district were flabby, physically unfit and not able to perform duties properly.

Shivpuri forms part of the Chambal ravines in northern and central India. The most feared bandit gang in the district is led by the Gadariya brothers - Dayaram and Rambabu.

The brothers have been codenamed Target One in the police records and carry a total reward of Rs.1.5 million on their heads.

Yashodhara Raje Scindia, the district legislator, has requested state police chief Swaraj Puri to start yoga classes for the policemen.

The government has made yoga compulsory for students in all its schools since July.

Inspector General of Police Sanjay Rana said the classes would certainly help the cops keep fit.

"The fitness would help them keep free from stress and manage their problems in a better way," Rana told.