Govt calls off STF operations against Veerappan

MYSORE: Chief Minister S.M. Krishna on Thursday said the Special Task Force (STF) suspended its operations on Wednesday evening and the government was exploring all options to find ``a suitable emissary'''' to negotiate the release of hostage H. Nagappa.
Speaking to reporters at Male Mahadeshwara Hills after offering pooja at the temple, about 160 km from here, he said the government ``will do whatever required'''' to secure Nagappa''s release.The government is yet to find a suitable and reliable emissary who can approach the brigand, he added.
Home Minister Mallikarjun M. Kharge is seized of the matter and has been entrusted with the task. ``I cannot comment on his task,'''' Krishna said when asked who the emissary is.
The CM was accompanied by cabinet colleagues H.K. Patil and D.B. Chandre Gowda.
STF sources, however, claimed commandos are continuing search operations in Byalur forest area, adjoining Burude forest, on the sides of Gundal dam.
The sources told The Times of India that one more effort of theirs to zero in on the gang inside Byalur forest area failed. ``We launched the operations on Wednesday morning but by the time the forces surrounded the area the next morning, Veerappan had fled,'''' they added.
Quoting informants, they claimed the Veerappan gang was sighted in Doddasampige forest area on Wednesday evening. The officers are puzzled over the information on gang''s movements. Some officers are said to be suspicious about police informants, who are giving varied and conflicting versions on the gang''s movements.