Date:09/09/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/09/09/stories/2002090904320100.htm

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Choppers join hunt for Veerappan

By Laiqh A.Khan

NALROAD STF CAMP (M.M.HILLS) SEPT. 8. The Special Task Force (STF) today started using helicopters to track down the forest brigand, Veerappan, suspected to be holed up in the Dinahalli forest in the M.M. Hills region.

The operation received a major boost with the induction of 150 NSG commandos led by Brig. Seethapathy, who arrived here last night. The NSG men, who are armed with sophisticated weapons, powerful binoculars and infrared cameras, are aiming for a "fight to the finish". The commandos are trained in jungle warfare and have experience in dealing with abductions by terrorists. They have had 85 per cent success rate, and had been inducted in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, and Punjab.

The Director-General and Inspector-General of Police, V.V. Bhaskar, who is leading the Karnataka STF, held a press conference at the STF camp today and explained the objectives and nature of the operation in progress.

Sources said that three IAF choppers fitted with sophisticated equipment had been pressed into service, two of which were stationed in Coimbatore. The helicopters, which will remain in touch with ground forces combing the area, can carry 18 commandos each. In case the ground forces locate the gang, information will be passed on to the helicopters, which would then reach the spot and air drop the commandos.

The combing operation has been intensified and 3,000 personnel have been placed at vantage positions around Dinahalli, Meenyam, Oogyam, Kalmatturpatti and the surrounding forests.

However, the focus is on a 10-sq. km. radius around Kamatturpatti, and three teams are in place.