States seek Centre's help in nabbing Veerappan

States seek Centre's help in nabbing Veerappan
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

NEW DELHI, NOV 23: Shortly after launching the Special Task Force operations, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka today sought the Centre's help in nabbing forest brigand Veerappan as Home Minister L K Advani assured all assistance by way of manpower and scientific equipment in the venture.

A delegation of top Tamil Nadu officials led by Union Minister T R Baalu met Advani and discussed the operations launched against the bandit.

The team also met Defence Minister George Fernandes to seek his ministry's assistance to back the state's coordinated efforts to catch the elusive bandit.

Advani appreciated the situation and said the Centre would extend whatever assistance that was required by way of manpower and scientific equipment, a Tamil Nadu government press released said. The delegation included Chief Secretary A P Muthusamy, Home Secretary Shantasheela Nair and DGP R Rajagopalan.

In Bangalore, Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna said the state had sought from the Centre deployment of NSG commandos to assist the STF in the operations.

Krishna, who has written to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, said he would go to New Delhi on Nov 26 and meet the PM and Advani for discussing the operations and seeking central assistance.

A delegation of Karnataka officials including Chief Secretary B K Bhattacharya, DGP C Dinakar and Home Secretary M P Prakash would be here on Friday for discussions with the Home Ministry officials.