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Rattled Karnataka government brings Kempaiah back

Veerappan's audacious abduction of former Karnataka minister H Nagappa followed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's open criticism of the neighbouring state's government, accusing it of laxity in the hunt for the brigand, has had immediate effect. On Tuesday, Inspector General of Police Kempaiah was back with the special task force of the Karnataka police.

Kempaiah has not been formally asked to resume charge of the STF. But as the police forces of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu launched a full-scale combing operation in and around Kamagere and the MM Hills forest, Kempaiah was conspicuously present at a meeting of STF officers of both states convened by Karnataka Home Minister Mallikarjuna Kharge at Gundal base camp. Also at the meeting was combined operations chief Walter Dawaram, Tamil Nadu's former director general of police.

Kempaiah had been transferred a few months ago without any reason being assigned though he had achieved major breakthroughs during his short tenure. With him as chief, the STF personnel were highly motivated and worked hard.

Kempaiah's strong intelligence network helped him corner Veerappan, but the bandit managed to escape. It is said that 'Kolathur' Mani, one of the negotiators during Rajakumar's abduction, betrayed the police. But Kempaiah still took Nakkeeran reporter Sivasubramanian into custody and recovered a substantial sum of money, which had allegedly been paid to Veerappan as ransom for Rajakumar.

Kempaiah's untimely and unexplained exit demoralized the task force. After he left, the number of personnel in the STF was cut drastically. But even as the government was about to forget Veerappan, the bandit struck again, embarrassing it.

Karnataka's Director General of Police A V Bhaskar has now recalled all officers who had participated in earlier STF operations. This, he said, would give more strength to the force.

Kharge visited Kamagere and met Nagappa's wife Parimala and other members of his family and assured them of speedy action to rescue him. Information Minister Kagodu Thimappa, state Congress chief Allum Veerabhadrappa, and Union Minister V Srinivasaprasad accompanied Kharge.

Meanwhile, opposition parties, particularly the Janata Dal, United, have called for a 24hour bandh in Chamarajanagar district. They have formed a co-ordination committee to press the government to take immediate steps to secure Nagappa's release. The district administration has taken adequate steps to deal with the situation, officials said.

The Nagappa Abduction: complete coverage
The Rajakumar Abduction: complete coverage
The saga of Veerappan

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