Chennai :
No one could have forgotten Veerappan, the sandalwood smuggling kingpin, so easily. Veerappan was a big challenge and a lion’s dream for the police of 3 states namely Tamilnadu-Karnataka and Kerala. The jungle king game was brought to an end during the reign of late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.
A.D.M.K. Former DGP in power A special task force was formed under the leadership of Vijayakumar. Additional DGP who is currently Delhi Commissioner. The team including Sanjay Arora successfully fulfilled their responsibility.
On August 18, 2004, the Task Force gunned down Veerappan and his accomplices in an encounter at Pappirettipatti, Dharmapuri district. This incident, which created a great sensation all over India, was written in the form of an English book called ‘Veerappan-Chasing the Brigand’ by the former DGP. Written by Vijayakumar.
The book is currently in audio format and uploaded to Audible Audio Books and Podcasts.
It was published by Vijayakumar in a Journalism College in Tharamani, Chennai. He also interestingly answered the questions asked by the students. He said:-
Veerappan’s life was against law and order, smuggling sandalwood and poaching elephants for tusks. He killed more than a hundred policemen and forest officers who came to catch him.
Catching Veerappan was a big challenge for us. Like Bhulandevi, he wanted to become a politician. He was assisted by organizations operating from various areas including Trichy and Perambalur.
No wonder Veerappan was safe for the hill people. Veerappan helped the livelihood of those people. Because of this people celebrated him.
At the same time, according to us, Veerappan is a criminal who disturbs law and order. Based on the evidence, we gave Veerappan many opportunities to surrender. Veerappan did not cooperate. Even today, I feel the nostalgia of not being able to capture Veerappan alive.
Listening to this audio will give you a clear understanding of our individual view of Veerappan. It was the incident committed by Veerappan in 1989 that increased the intensity to capture Veerappan. We have talked about many such things in that audio. We used many strategies to catch Veerappan especially in those times when there was no technology like now. The last moments of Veerappan’s death are unforgettable.
Thus he spoke.