The Hindu : National : In quest of total justice

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 20, 2004

National

National

In quest of total justice

By Sharath S. Srivatsa

MYSORE, OCT. 19. The reign of Veerappan may have come to an end but the families of his many victims are not content: they want the legal action initiated against his associates to continue.

They want the brigand's associates to "pay the price" for having helped him in his criminal acts.

For the Hanur MLA, Parimala Nagappa, widow of the slain former Minister, H. Nagappa, the news of Veerappan's death did not bring much cheer. She said there was nothing to be happy about as the families of his victims would not get their near and dear ones back.

"The authorities have killed Veerappan after we lost a member of our family, and this [Veerappan's death] has come too late. They should have caught him long ago. However, at least the others can heave a sigh of relief with his death."

Reiterating her commitment to seek out the truth behind Nagappa's death, Ms. Parimala Nagappa said: "We are confident that we will get justice. The family will fight for it as we believe there are still pieces of evidence that could establish the cause of [Nagappa's] death." She said people living in the border villages of this backward area could rest in peace.

Abdul Kareem, whose son, the Sub-Inspector Shakeel Ahmed, died in an ambush by Veerappan, said his family was happy. "The sacrifice of Shakeel Ahmed in his attempt to nab the brigand has not gone in vain. It has also brought some relief to the families that have lost their dear and near ones in crimes committed by Veerappan."

He said the capital punishment awarded to Bilavendra, Simon, Meesekara Madaiah and Gynaprakash should be carried out. Mr. Kareem has fought a persistent battle to bring those behind his son's killing to book.

Mr. Jameel Ahmed, a brother of the Sub-Inspector, said the family wished the brigand were caught alive as he had "information" about corrupt officials in the Police and Forest Departments and the politicians who groomed him.

Krupakar, a photographer, who was held captive by Veerappan in October 1997, said the death of the brigand was good news to him. He had become something of a role model for the youth in the area, which was a disturbing trend.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National