Workshops for police after Asha Bhosle criticism

Stung by noted playback singer Asha Bhosle singing a different tune by criticising Mumbai police and accusing it of being uncultured, Maharashtra home minister RR Patil today directed holding of workshops to 'teach' traffic cops how to behave politely with people.

Patil's orders came a day after Bhosle, speaking at the Yeshwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMO) in Nasik after being awarded a honorary D Litt, riled Mumbai police, saying that they had no manners of talking to common citizens and lacked culture.

"Patil has asked traffic police to behave cordially with everyone, not only with bigwigs but also with the common man," a statement issued by his office said.

"The minister has also directed that stringent action be taken against those who meted out ill-treatment to the singer," it said.

The melody queen had also spoken about dreading the prospect of being confronted by policemen on the roads and at traffic signals in Mumbai.

"They need to be educated on how to deal with the people in a decent and civilised manner," she had said.