Bangalore, Oct 10: Is forest brigand Veerappan planning another abduction? Reports reaching here said the Veerappan gang had approached a merchant in a village near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border on Tuesday night and procured foodgrains after paying money. Karnataka Home Minister Mallikarjuna Kharge on Thursday denied reports in a section of the media that the gang had kidnapped a rice merchant from a village in Tamil Nadu. Mr Kharge admitted that the gang members had approached one Selvam for food and the latter was being questioned by the police. A top police official who termed the media reports of the 'abduction' as imagination of reporters, said no such incident had occurred within the borders of Karnataka. It is learnt that the special task force (STF) of Karnataka had slowed down its operations due to heavy rains in the M M Hills region, the core area of Veerappan's operation. The rains had reduced the visibility in the forest.
Moreover, for want of any credible intelligence on the movement of the brigand, the police had slowed down the operation. The gang has been lying low ever since the death of former minister H Nagappa in their custody of Veerappan.
Though the Karnataka government had fixed a reward of Rs 5 crore on the head of Veerappan, there has been no flow of information on the whereabouts of the elusive brigand.
Those familiar with Veerappan's strategy, feel that the brigand has once again started storing foodgrains, with a view to undertake another abduction. The latest incident involving the merchant could be the precursor for the next big move by Veerappan.
According to sources, Veerappan always strikes when it is least expected. The Karnataka STF should not lower its guard, as the wily brigand is all set to unfold another major kidnap drama.
PTI adds from Chitradurga: Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna on Thursday brushed aside media reports that forest bandit Veerappan had kidnapped a person even as police has launched an investigation to verify the claim of a villager that he was forced to carry out errands by the brigand's gang.
Reacting to queries by reporters here, Mr krishna said the outlaw had been cornered by the joint special task forces of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and his movement had been curbed.
"I have full confidence in the staff and the government will extend full cooperation to it in hunting Veerappan," he said.
Meanwhile in Bangalore, police denied the reports of Selvam's kidnapping.
According to police officials, Selvam was at home in a village on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border, and 'hale and hearty'. "The question of kidnap simply does not arise. We are, however, verifying his claims (about being forced to work by the gang)", a police official said.