The ongoing efforts to nab the forest brigand Veerappan was further intensified with the third batch of BSF joining the joint STF of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. “As many as 160 personnel from BSF arrived this evening, to join their colleagues in the operations,” informed the police.

The first batch of 185 had joined the STF on Tuesday last and the second consisting of 126 reached the camp at Bannari on Wednesday morning, they said. With the third batch likely to join on Friday night or Satueday morning, the operations would gain momentum, as according to the sources.

BSF IG, K Vijayakumar and Joint STF Chief, V Balachandran had already chalked out the operation strategy at a meeting held in the city on Tuesday.

The operations were likely to centre around Thimbam, Kadambur forests in erode district and Kallar coming under Mettupalayam in Coimbatore district, the possible hideouts of Veerappan. The movement of tribals in the area, who were supplying food articles to Veerappan out of fear, was also being watched to stop food supply. Top police and STF officials have also sought the help of locals to put an early end to the Veerappan menace. Bureau Report