Date:10/12/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/12/10/stories/2002121007950100.htm

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'Will go all out for Veerappan'

By Our Staff Reporter

Coimbatore Dec.9. The combined Special Task Force of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka will go all out in the hunt for brigand Veerappan, according to the Joint Commandant, Walter Dawaram.

Talking to reporters at Sathyamangalam STF camp here tonight, he said the operation by these forces had been not given up during the last 100 days. It was only suspended temporarily. Earlier he had a meeting with the former DGP and the current Security Adviser to the Government of Karnataka, Srinivasulu.

Mr. Dawaram said that Mr. Srinivasulu had come with the specific objective of finalising the strategies and modalities of the operation to be carried out.

Asked about the offer of assistance by the Central Government, Mr. Dawaram and Mr.Srinivasulu said that the forces were well-equipped in terms of numerical strength. However, in course of such coordination meetings, "we would decide on the technical assistance, logistics and gadgetry required from the Centre."

To a question on Veerappan's charge that the Tamil Nadu STF's operation had resulted in the death of the hostage, a visibly agitated Mr. Dawaram said, "we don't have time to listen to the criminals who have sent any number of cassettes. You can enquire him on the charges when we get him alive".