Diary may reveal Veerappan's `links'

By Our Special Correspondent

COIMBATORE, FEB. 3. The seizure of a digital diary during Friday's hunt for the brigand, Veerappan, might provide information, especially on his ``connections''.

It is learnt that the diary has even the latest information on the Special Task Force (STF) as well as the Border Security Force (BSF), including the dates of their formation and their top brass and camps.

According to official sources, the loss of three cellular phones and an aerial might put an end to Veerappan's communication. Even the loss of food materials might prove a serious blow for the gang.

Veerappan is still believed to have some weapons, including a double-barrel gun, and substantial money. The gang might have a few country-made bombs, since one was said to have been lobbed at the STF team on Friday.

Sources said the encounter followed a tip-off by a woman in Paraipatty forests whose son was asked by Veerappan gang to buy rice for them. Besides, three persons involved in smuggling ganja into Kerala were said to have been nabbed by the STF and on information from them search operations were launched.

The STF personnel were lying in wait for almost three days for the gang and missed it ``virtually by a whisker''.

Encouraged by the sighting of Veerappan, the STF is leaving no stone unturned.

According to sources, two helicopters were deployed today to locate the gang which is believed to be scattered now. The Director-General of Police, Law and Order, Dr. R. Rajagopalan, and the Additional Director-General of Police, Intelligence, Mr. A.X. Alexander, joined the aerial survey this morning.

A number of sniffer of dogs were pressed into service. Combing has been intensified by STF teams, including the ones led by Mr. C. Shailendra Babu, SP, Mr. Periyaiah, SP, and Mr. Sampathkumar, ADSP.

As it was in Chemmandimalai forests on the Tamil Nadu- Kerala border that the shootout took place, all the adjoining forests, including Paraipatti, Oosimalai and Chinnampathy, are being kept under constant vigil.

All the entry and exit points have been sealed and a vigil is being maintained even on the Coimbatore-Palakkad national highway.

A huge posse of police personnel has been mobilised from various districts. The assistance of forest personnel has also been sought to identify potential hideouts.

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Section  : National
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