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'Limited operation' by STF

By Laiqh A. Khan

GUNDAL (Karnataka) AUG. 31. Even as the Karnataka Director-General of Police, V.V.Bhaskar, has said that the Special Task Force (STF) was carrying out a "limited operation" to secure the safe release of the former Minister, H. Nagappa from the forest brigand, Veerappan, a large number of gun-toting security personnel have swarmed the Burude forest region, where the bandit is believed to be hiding.

The strength and resources of the STF appear to have increased considerably with the induction of several platoons of reserve police force drawn from different regions. Senior police officers, who earlier served in the STF in the treacherous terrain, have been drafted to supervise the operation. The former STF chief, Kempaiah, who had carried out aggressive campaigns against Veerappan, is also part of the team.

Groups of armed security personnel were keeping vigil on roads criss-crossing the dense forest area. A senior official said the figure could be around 2,000.

The STF is said to be working on the premise that Veerappan who abducted Mr. Nagappa from Kamagere last Sunday night, could not have gone too deep into the forests. Hence, the deployment seems concentrated in a radius of 50 to 60 km.

Speaking to The Hindu at the STF operational headquarters here, Mr. Bhaskar said he would prove that he was leading a professional force. "We will perform efficiently to the challenge thrown at us by a bandit. The STF would work towards "localising the movement of Veerappan and his gang." He said the primary aim was to secure the safe release of Mr. Nagappa. "Secondly, we have to capture the culprit and his gang." The intelligence gathering machinery had been activated with the involvement of tribal people.

Though the situation in and around Gundal does not indicate any suspension in the STF operations, Mr. Bhaskar's reference to "limited operations" assumes significance in the wake of the Karnataka Government's efforts to identify an emissary to negotiate with the bandit.

Our Bangalore Special Correspondent reports:

The State Government has denied the receipt of a second audio cassette from Veerappan.

The Home Minister, Mallikarjuna Kharge, denied having received a second cassette in a chat with newsmen. Regarding sending an emissary to the brigand, Mr. Kharge said no decision had been taken.

Asked if the STF had stopped the combing operations, Mr. Kharge said the STF had full powers to act in a manner suitable to secure the safe release of Mr.Nagappa.

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